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Transfers

Fabrizio Romano says West Ham must pay £32m for 26-goal La Liga striker

West Ham United have been busy on the transfer front over the past few weeks and things now seem to be picking up even more pace.

The Hammers have signed Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham and Max Kilman, while negotiations are said to be taking place over a number of other players.

For instance, West Ham are reported to have had a bid accepted by Nice for Jean-Clair Todibo, even if he seemingly wants to join Juventus instead.

As well as defenders, the Hammers will be looking at strengthening their attacking ranks and ease the goalscoring burden on Michail Antonio.

Fabrizio Romano has now shared what he knows about a striker said to be on the West Ham radar who scored more La Liga goals than Jude Bellingham last season.

READ MORE: West Ham pushing hard for agreement with centre-back Liverpool were offered in January

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

West Ham must pay £32million for Alexander Sorloth

The player in question is Villarreal’s Alexander Sorloth, who the Hammers reportedly approached earlier this month.

Romano, writing on , didn’t have any “concrete updates” regarding West Ham specifically, but he reiterated that Villarreal will not negotiate for Sorloth.

The Norway international has a £32million release clause and any club wanting to sign him must trigger it, said the transfer insider.

“The Hammers have also been linked with Alexander Sorloth but I don’t have concrete updates on that situation,” said Romano.

“I can say that Villarreal, when Roma asked for Sorloth recently, always replied: release clause or nothing.

“€38million (£32million), this is the value of the clause and what Villarreal want for Sorloth.”

West Ham also linked with Jhon Duran

Sorloth is not the only striker said to be on the West Ham radar. The Hammers have also been linked with Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran.

Romano also shared what he knew about Duran and the Hammers, saying: “The situation remains open for Jhon Duran, who could still leave this summer.

“Aston Villa always wanted £40million, they rejected different approaches from Chelsea in June and from West Ham in the recent weeks.

“Their request remains clear, at least £40million or the player is not leaving. Let’s see what West Ham decide to do now.”

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano shares Jean-Clair Todibo transfer update amid West Ham links

Sorloth shines in La Liga after Premier League struggles

Sorloth was in red-hot form for Villarreal last term, registering 26 goals and six assists in all competitions.

His 23 goals in La Liga saw him finish as runner-up to Girona’s Artem Dobryk (24) in La Liga’s Golden Boot race.

Sorloth scored as many club goals as Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and three more than Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham last term.

The 6ft 5in striker’s stock is now high again after a number of underwhelming seasons elsewhere.

For instance, his time on Crystal Palace’s books – between 2018 and 2020 – saw him score just one in 20 appearances.

Should Sorloth get approached by West Ham, he’ll surely be eager to right some wrongs in the English top flight.