Lopetegui thrilled with Steidten transfer choice at West Ham United
West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten has turned his attention away from Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran in the club’s pursuit of a striker, according to HITC.
Writing on their website (30 July), The Hammers have moved their attention to Borussia Dortmund striker Nicolas Fullkrug, and Julen Lopetegui is more than happy with the club’s approach.
Duran had agreed personal terms with West Ham, but Steidten was unwilling to meet Villa’s £40m valuation and has walked away from the deal. (Evening Standard, 26 July)
West Ham have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund for Fullkrug, with the German side open to selling the striker this summer.
West Ham target a move for Nicolas Fullkrug
Steidten has moved to the opposite end of the spectrum in the club’s pursuit of a striker, preferring the 31-year-old Fullkrug to 20-year-old Duran.
The Colombian was Lopetegui’s preferred choice but will be happy to welcome the German to the London stadium if a deal is agreed upon with Dortmund.
Fullkrug recorded 15 goals and 10 assists across 43 appearances in all competitions in his debut season in Dortmund and has scored 56 goals in 157 Bundesliga appearances throughout his career.
He would bring a wealth of experience to the frontline but his age is cause for concern, as he will be joining as the youngest striker alongside Danny Ings and Michael Antonio, who are over 30.
His signing would be considerably cheaper than the £40m needed to price Duran away from Villa Park but would only be a stop-gap option for Lopetegui.
West Ham finished eight points behind the European spots in the Premier League last season and if Fullkrug can provide the goals to restore European football to the club next season it will be worth every penny.
In other West Ham news, Kevin Nolan shares why the Hammers have missed out on several targets.
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