West Ham United are preparing a swoop for Independiente forward Martin Benitez, according to Football Insider.
The reputable football website report that Manuel Pellegrini is a big fan of the 24-year-old Argentine, who is highly-rated in South America after coming through the youth set-up at Independiente.
Football Insider claim that West Ham are now ready to test the waters with a bid for the versatile attacker, with Pellegrini hopeful of a deal being struck.
OPINION
It looks as though new director of football Mario Husillos is really pushing the Hammers towards the South American market this summer, with Fabian Balbuena already joining from Corinthians. The club have recently been linked with Balbuena’s former teammate Angel Romero, and it now looks like their radar has widened to include Benitez as well. The likelihood is that the club do not have huge funds left to spend this summer after their splurge on several new arrivals, and the South American market tends to offer better value for money. Benitez has been in good form for Independiente in recent seasons, scoring eight goals and laying on three assists in 28 games in 2017/18. There would be questions over his ability to adapt to the Premier League, but the 24-year-old certainly has the attributes to be a success at the London Stadium should the club decide on a swoop for his services.
