West Ham United prepare move for Brais Mendez in £50m transfer update
West Ham United are preparing to bid for Real Sociedad forward Brais Mendez, according to AS.
The Spanish news outlet reported via its print edition on Friday [27 December] that Julen Lopetegui has identified the 27-year-old as the perfect addition to his frontline in East London.
West Ham have made the La Liga star a priority target ahead of the January transfer window and Mendez is believed to be intrigued by the prospect of moving to the London Stadium after Hammers scouts were spotted in attendance of Real Sociedad’s last three outings [CaughtOffside].
Mendez has a £50million release clause in his contract.
Brais Mendez could be the first January signing at West Ham United
Aside from West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, Lopetegui has lacked a consistent goalscorer throughout his tenure in East London.
While the Spaniard has received the flack for the underwhelming campaign thus far, his forwards have failed to provide the goals in the Premier League.
Mendez has been deployed in a central role in San Sebastian this term, providing six goal contributions in 22 outings, but is predominantly a wide forward.
The former Spanish international boasts 35 goals and 27 assists in 234 LaLiga appearances throughout spells at Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad.
He can play anywhere across the central midfield three and on the flanks – his versatility would be a worthwhile addition to Lopetegui’s ranks, and he would provide another creative output to ease the burden on Bowen.
While Mohammed Kudus has found himself back among the goals since he returned from his FA suspension, the 24-year-old is generating plenty of interest ahead of January with Manchester City preparing to test the waters with an “irresistible” offer [Fichajes].
Considering West Ham have already reached their maximum spend in terms of FFP [Hammers.News], allowing Kudus to leave the London Stadium could allow more financial wiggle room to fund a move for Mendez.
In other West Ham news, the Irons were laughed at after what happened in the win against Southampton.
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