West Ham’s summer business is still very much in its early stages. The only ‘live’ offer confirmed seems to be that for El Hadji Malick Diouf, which at the time of writing was deemed still short of Czech side Slavia Prague’s expectations. Apparently as suggested earlier, they will not budge on the €25 million price and are adopting a ‘take it or leave it’ stance.
Interest in other players appears to be growing – as reported earlier the Zion Suzuki interest does appear genuine. Similarly this afternoon a report came out suggesting that West Ham had stepped up their interest for one of the top midfield prospects around and that they’d actually had an offer rejected: Givemesport.com’s article headed:
“West Ham ‘Table £21.5m Bid’ to Sign ‘Electrifying’ South American Star”: Makes a bold statement that the Irons have in fact been negotiating in south America for one of the hottest young midfielders around:
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“West Ham United have reportedly failed with a £21.5m bid for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that the Hammers made their move for the Colombian who has caught the eye at the ongoing Club World Cup. The East Londoners are one of several clubs eyeing the 25-year-old, with Inter Milan and Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal also interested.”
Rios has apparently confirmed in a TV interview that he knows nothing of any bids, as reported later by another outlet. Quite how the Hammers hope to secure Rios’ signature when competing with Champions League sides could again mean the Irons are aiming somewhat out of their league.
Interest in Rios is not new, we reported it earlier in the year: Whether Rios is going to sell for a West Ham friendly price is another matter. Certainly well more than the twenty one and half million quid reported.
A brilliant, ‘electric’ midfielder currently gracing the FIFA Club World Cup championships is unlikely to have his head turned by anything lil’ old West Ham can offer him. But we live in hope.