West Ham are unlikely to sign FC Porto forward Moussa Marega this summer because of his price tag, according to reliable source ExWHUemployee.
The 28-year-old hitman is understood to be valued at around £27 million, as reported by the Mirror (17.52), with the Hammers said to be “confident” of fending off interest from Newcastle United to secure his services.
But Ex had refuted that suggestion, citing a lack of funds.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, he said: “Unless the board have been really smoke screening by saying we have no money I would be very surprised for that price!”
OPINION
The report from the Mirror makes it sound as if the Hammers are on the verge of landing Marega, but Ex has a fantastic record as an in-the-know account, and in cases such as this one, it is usually wise to listen to his perspective on things. £27 million is a lot of money, especially when you consider the club record fee already forked out on a striker in Sebastien Haller earlier this summer. It is far more likely that Marega will pass the Hammers by this transfer window, which is a shame because he is a real player. His average of 3.2 shots on goal per game last season, as well as his 1.1 key passes per match and total of 14 goals in all competitions [Whoscored] show a talent who is a real live wire, and a proper handful for defenders. If the Hammers could land a player like him for a fraction of the cost they would be on to a winner, but at the moment it looks as if the Malian will not be headed to east London.
