Report: West Ham not willing to pay Dia asking price as Moyes seeks Haller replacement
West Ham are interested in signing Boulaye Dia but have been hit by a setback in their pursuit of the striker, per France Football.
According to the report Reims have set an asking price of £13.3million for the 24-year-old, and the Irons are unwilling to match their demands.
West Ham first made an enquiry for Dia after selling Sebastien Haller earlier this month, and Eurosport suggested the club were preparing a bid.
It is not clear where this setback leaves the two parties, or if West Ham will return with another offer.
Sensible approach
West Ham are running out of time if we are to land a Haller replacement this window.
The Athletic reported prior to the window opening that David Moyes was in search of a forward with a “similar skillset” to Michail Antonio.
ExWHUemployee has likened Dia to our top goalscorer, which is a positive, but it seems Dia has not convinced the Irons hierarchy to splash out.
Moyes has also been clear in his transfer approach this month.
He wants a new addition up-front but is wary of wasting money and being lumbered with a player on the wage bill who is not as good as he hoped.
Dia is at risk of fitting that mould.
He may have 12 goals in 19 games this term but he also has just 61 league appearances to boast of despite being 24.
The attacker has also never played outside of France, so he would have to adjust the Premier League and that carries uncertainty.
It is unlikely Dia is our number one target, either, as Moyes has suggested he would rather wait until the summer when other players may become available.
We are going strong in the league and the FA Cup, so we are in no rush to make hasty signings this month.
There is always the option to return for Dia at the end of the season, so not meeting the asking price now seems a sensible decision.
In other West Ham news, the club has made an approach to sign Jesse Lingard on loan.