Report: West Ham in PL hunt for Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno
West Ham are among a cluster of Premier League clubs vying for the signature of Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno, according to TEAMtalk.
Moreno, 27, can play anywhere down the left-hand side and he has been instrumental in driving the La Liga side to their current sixth-place standing which would ensure Europa League football next term.
But he could be plying his trade in England next season with the Irons and Leeds United named as two of many Premier League outfits targeting the Spaniard.
Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo moot a £34.7million release clause in his contract.
But West Ham could take advantage of the financial perils of Betis however, with La Liga reducing their salary cap by £4.3million. [Marca]
Weak spot
Our left-hand side has been a source of joy for opposition teams of late and that will surely concern David Moyes ahead of the summer transfer window.
Aaron Cresswell has been a reliable performer in East London for a number of years but recent games, such as the manic 3-3 draw with Arsenal last month, have left him exposed with the 31-year-old severely lacking in pace.
Arthur Masuaku is another left-sided option and he recently came back from a lengthy injury lay-off but he is much more suited to a wing-back role, and we saw his defensive deficiencies against Leicester City on Sunday.
Therefore, in the event of European qualification this season, we need to invest in a new left-back if we are serious about making a splash on the continental stage.
GSB wouldn’t be enthused about paying a hefty £34.7million fee for a left-back however, and we can’t blame them for that.
But if club scouts and Moyes are big on him then surely a reduced fee could be negotiated for a player who has laid on two assists in La Liga this season.
In other West Ham news, Serie A side join hunt to sign wantaway Irons ace.