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David Moyes high on West Ham target Ocampos

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West Ham boss David Moyes is thought to be keen on one reported target as he prepares to bolster his squad in the summer.

THE LOWDOWN: ATTRACTING ADMIRERS

According to Calciomercato, the Hammers are believed to be admirers of Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos.

The 27-year-old player ranks second in the Spanish side for goals scored (six) and a fast start in Andalucia saw the wide man net 14 times in La Liga while also claiming a Europa League winners medal during his first season in 2019/20. 

He earned an international call-up and has gone on to represent Argentina ten times, receiving some startling praise from a compatriot.

Seven-time Balon d’Or winner Lionel Messi said that his appearance in the national team was “extraordinary for the good of the group” and it seems as though Moyes holds the £27m-rated in high regard as well. 

THE LATEST: HEFTY PRICE

According to ABC Sevilla (via Sport Witness) the Hammers have become “well aware of his virtues” having met the club in the Europa League before going on to state that the manager “admires” the “qualities” of the player and values a move “highly” this summer. 

The report states that even if the east London club weren’t to meet the £66.2m release clause in Ocampos’ contract which runs until 2025 it would take “a significant economic effort” to sign the attacker. 

It would eclipse the fee paid for Sebastien Haller in 2019, with the now-Ajax talisman costing a club-record £45m.

THE VERDICT: BETTER ALTERNATIVES

With Andriy Yarmolenko’s contract up in June, it isn’t likely that the 32-year-old will be at the club next season and there will be room for a new forward at the London Stadium.

However, Ocampos’ numbers have dwindled in recent years and he hasn’t been able to reach the heights of his first season in Spain scoring 11 goals across the last two campaigns. 

The former River Plate man has collected 12 yellow cards already this season with his discipline a cause for concern and is rated at just £27m by Transfermarkt which is well below half of what Sevilla could be expecting.

For that reason perhaps GSB are better switching their attention to elsewhere with fresh targets emerging.

Gerard Deulofeu is said to be available for £12.5m-15m or if they were to splash out, 22-year-old Moussa Diaby with whom they have been linked would be a better choice. 

AND in other news, West Ham now eyeing another Czech star in £18m-rated “artist”, has same agent as Kral…

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