Sky Italy: Cagliari reject West Ham loan bid for striker Simeone
West Ham have made a loan to buy offer for striker Giovanni Simeone but it has been rejected by Cagliari, according to Sky Italy.
With Sebastien Haller sold to Ajax earlier in the window the Irons have been scouring Europe for a new forward to compete with and cover for Michail Antonio who is currently the only senior striker at the club.
Many names have been linked since the departure of Haller and Simeone, whose dad Diego is the manager of Atletico Madrid, is one such figure.
However, Sky Italy have reported on their live transfer blog [Thursday, 08:55am] that West Ham’s proposal includes a loan fee of £885,857 (one million euros) with an option to buy the 25-year-old at the end of the season, an offer that is not acceptable to Cagliari.
Sky Italy add that “under these conditions the player does not move” so it looks as if the Irons will have to considerably up their offer or change the terms of the deal if they are to have any chance of luring the Argentine striker away from Italy.
With only 10 days left of the transfer window the club will have to be quick if they want to wrap up a deal.
Prudent or unconvinced?
If West Ham’s offer of a loan with the option to buy Simeone is true then it indicates a few things about him.
Firstly, it could be that the board are still being their usual frugal self and sitting on the money that they have pocketed.
The sale of Haller brought in a reported £22.5million fee [BBC Sport] so there is clearly money to be used.
Secondly it could be that David Moyes and co are still not entirely convinced by Simeone and would like to see him in closer proximity for half a season before committing to a sizeable outlay.
Indeed, Simeone has not scored since October 31 and his record of five in 16 appearances this season is not a mouthwatering total, nor was his 12 in 37 Serie A games last season.
However there is more to him than just goals as he offers a physical presence and ability to drive with the ball.
If West Ham do indeed think he is the man to replace Haller and be a robust forward option then they will need to prove that in their offer.
Cagliari are sat in 17th in Serie A and are in a relegation fight to remain in the division so they will not be happy to see Simeone leave on the cheap, so the Irons have work to do.
In other West Ham news, see our tactical analysis of what nearly cost the Irons against West Brom.