By Sam Stone

18th May, 2023 | 12:40pm

West Ham United: Jefferson Lerma wants London move as transfer talk emerges

Jefferson Lerma is believed to be keen on a move to London as West Ham remain in the hunt for the Bournemouth midfielder, according to talkSPORT.

The 28-year-old’s future hangs in the balance, with his contract on the South Coast set to expire in two games time (talkSPORT, 18 May). It’s understood the Colombian could sign a new deal with the Cherries despite reports of him rejecting a new deal.

It’s believed West Ham and Crystal Palace are monitoring his situation along with clubs from Spain. It’s understood a move to the capital does appeal to the Colombian.

Astute

This would certainly be an astute piece of business by the board if they can get a deal over the line. Lerma is in the prime of his career and looks to be playing with supreme confidence. Bournemouth deserve a lot of credit for securing their Premier League survival this season and the 28-year-old has been vitally important to Gary O’Neil’s side.

Picking up a player for free with bundles of experience could well be a route for the Hammers to go down. Last summer, the club dished out extortionate amounts on transfer fees. There could be a change of tact this time around. The likes of Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta have failed to live up to their huge transfer fees.

Potentially delving back into the Championship and free-agent market could be the way for West Ham to go. Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio have all cut their teeth in the second tier and it’s a market David Moyes should be looking to exploit once more.