West Ham consider Alassane Plea as Josh King alternative – report
West Ham United could reportedly turn their attention to Borussia Moenchengladbach forward Alassane Plea, as an alternative to Josh King.
According to the Mirror, a move to sign King from Bournemouth this month is looking increasingly unlikely as a result of the player’s wage demands.
King is out of contract at Bournemouth in the summer, but West Ham are open to pursuing a January move.
However, King is reportedly demanding some big figures, knowing that he will be able to cash in on a free transfer in the summer.
Plea is now reportedly being viewed as a potential alternative after an impressive run of form in the Bundesliga this season.
A better option than King?
Plea should be viewed as the more appealing option to King if the Hammers can stretch their budget to the French forward.
While the Gladbach man has only scored twice in the Bundesliga, his form in the Champions League has set him apart this season.
As per Transfermarkt, Plea has netted five times and registered four assists, as the Bundesliga side finished second in a group that contained both Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Described as one of ‘Europe’s most clinical centre-forwards’, Plea has developed into a versatile and lethal attacker in Germany.
Comfortable playing through the middle or on either flank, he could fit seamlessly into David Moyes’ West Ham side.
With a market value of over £30million, Plea is unlikely to come cheaply, which may make the deal to sign King more appealing for the Irons – however, Plea has proven Champions League pedigree and that could match West Ham’s personal European ambitions.
In other West Ham news, the Irons must stop Semi Ajayi, who has become West Brom’s secret weapon