Marco Silva responds to Rodrigo Muniz transfer question amid West Ham interest
Marco Silva is adamant that Fulham are not prepared to sell Rodrigo Muniz in the transfer window, amid reported interest from West Ham.
It was reported [Jacob Steinberg, 16 January] that the Hammers were considering the possibility of signing Muniz on loan with a potential £30million obligation to buy also discussed.
This came after discussions with the hierarchy at The London Stadium as Graham Potter looks to boost his attacking options with the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug all injured.
However, it seems the Irons may need to look elsewhere as Silva said via the print edition of the Daily Mirror (17 January, page 56), who also named the Hammers as an interested party: “We are not open to anything about Rodrigo and it’s better no one contacts us.
“There’s no chance to even start to talk to clubs. He has all the conditions to be the number nine for this club for many years.”
Graham Potter needs attacking reinforcements at West Ham
The news that Muniz is off the table will be a bit of a blow to the Hammers as this would have been a good signing for the club.
The 23-year-old has had to settle for being second choice to Raul Jimenez this term and despite making 20 Premier League appearances, only five of these have been in the starting line-up.
However, with three goals and an assist under his belt so far, there is certainly the feeling that with more game time he could have an impact.
It is understandable that Fulham are reluctant to let go on a permanent basis given Jimenez is 33-years-old and this may be their replacement.
That being said, a loan move would give the striker first-team opportunities while solving problems in the West Ham camp too.
Nevertheless, if this deal is off the table then Potter needs to immediately turn his attentions elsewhere with the addition of a striker crucial during the transfer window.
In other West Ham news, Potter can replicate his Brighton success at the London Stadium with this Irons star.
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