West Ham table second offer for New York City striker Valentin Castellanos

West Ham have submitted a second bid for New York City striker Valentin Castellanos, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web.

The Hammers initially tabled £6.7million for the signature of the Argentine, 23, and have recently returned with an improved offer of around £8.5million.

However, the MLS outfit have knocked their latest bid back and that of Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, and it remains to be seen whether West Ham have plans to improve their last offer.

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David Moyes wants quality competition and cover for Michail Antonio, and Castellanos fits the bill.

The South American ended 2021 with 23 goals in 36 appearances for New York City, helping them land the MLS Cup and going home with the MLS Golden Boot.

The Argentine drew praise from Pep Guardiola last month, with the Manchester City manager insisting he is a “quality player ready to make the next step” [Daily Mail].

That next step could be Europe with West Ham looking to land him on a bargain, but they need to stump up the cash.

The Man City boss is not one to flatter players, only making his claim on Castellanos following what he had seen and what the scouting department had told him.

If he thinks the player is good enough to hit the ground running in Europe, there is every probability that such is the case, and the Hammers should be looking to swoop.

They need a long-term successor for Antonio, and the Argentine could be their man.

A couple of more cash could be enough to make New York City sell, and they need to table an improved offer in the coming days.

In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.

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