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West Ham’s chances of signing Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas have been dealt a blow, with the Swiss international prioritising a move to a Premier League club, according to reports.
Seville-based publication OrgulloBiri claim that the forward has “communicated” to his representatives that he wants to join a top division team in England.
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The Hammers were said to be among the sides who had an “interest” in Vargas, along with Villarreal and Trabzonspor.
However, Brighton are now regarded to have the “advantage”, with the Seagulls said to be “preparing an offer” that would meet Sevilla’s €15m (£13m) valuation.
Why were West Ham interested in the player?
Director of Player Recruitment Nils Koppen and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo need to add more than one winger to the first-team squad.
Adama Traore has already left following the expiration of his six-month contract, and Crysencio Summerville is expected to follow suit if a team matches his reported £50m asking price. The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been mentioned as potential suitors.
Vargas can play on both wings, having started 10 games on the left and 9 matches on the right flank for Sevilla last season.
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Do the club have any alternatives to Vargas?
Several wingers have been linked with transfers to the London Stadium over the past couple of weeks. There is believed to be strong interest in Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu and Everton’s Dwight McNeil.
The likes of Brighton’s Omario Cozier-Duberry (who had a successful loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last campaign) and Sunderland’s Simon Adingra have also been suggested as possible targets.
The biggest challenge in terms of trying to buy these players (with the exception of Fatawu) is that they would have to be persuaded to drop down a division.
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