West Ham line up last-ditch bid for Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke
West Ham are readying a last-gasp January bid to sign Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke, according to The Sun.
The newspaper reports that after being pushed out of Patrick Vieira’s side at Selhurst Park, the 31-year-old Belgian striker could be available for £10million in the final two days of the January transfer window.
It is understood that Benteke has already snubbed an opportunity to join struggling Burnley this month as he wants to stay in London.
The Sun adds that if West Ham offer the former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker a good contract, a move from South London to East London “would work” for him.
Solid back-up
West Ham have needed a new striker for over a year now and we cannot believe it’s been left until the penultimate day of the January transfer window for something to happen.
While some fans might be disappointed by seeing Benteke’s name linked, it actually makes a lot of sense.
The 43-times Belgium international is a brute-force of a striker who’s good in the air, can offer us a slightly different option to Michail Antonio, has loads of Premier League experience and seems to be available for a reasonable price.
Of course, Benteke would not be a long-term investment at the London Stadium but we really do need a striker and we don’t think the club should be turning their noses away from someone with the Belgian’s CV.
In his 276 career Premier League appearances, Benteke has scored 86 goals and supplied 23 assists.
This season, he’s netted four goals in 21 Premier League outings, although only 11 of them have been starts.
Benteke wouldn’t be the worst signing in the world and he could play a very big role for us if he makes the move before Monday night’s deadline.
In other West Ham news, this player could reject a new contract offer after a bid was made by the Hammers.