West Ham United to sign Valencia striker Hugo Duro as transfer update emerges
West Ham want to sign Valencia striker Hugo Duro, according to Caught Offside.
The online source reported [30 September] that the Hammers are set to face a fierce battle from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa for the 24-year-old shortly.
It is understood Julen Lopetegui sees Duro’s energy and goalscoring ability as a major potential asset at the London Stadium, with Emery also certain he would adapt to the Premier League well.
West Ham United to beat Aston Villa to Hugo Duro signing?
The 24-year-old has already scored twice for Valencia this season, netting against Barcelona and Villarreal during the first six games of the campaign.
He now has 17 senior goals to his name with the La Liga side, having scored 13 times in 37 appearances last season.
Lopetegui has only recently added a new star striker to the squad, with Niclas Fullkrug joining from Borussia Dortmund on a £27million deal during the summer [BBC Sport].
However, that move has not quite worked out for the Hammers just yet, with the 31-year-old spending the last few weeks on the treatment table after suffering an injury on international duty.
While Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are still available, it appears no striker can hold down a starting XI position or bring the desired impact into the team.
Duro looks to be an exciting prospect as he continues to impress in the Spanish divisions, though it is likely Lopetegui would need to sell at least one of his striker options before launching a move.
The young forward’s experience is certainly limited, having been shipped between Getafe and Real Madrid, never being able to find a permanent home.
He finally looks settled at Valencia, but his numbers are nothing outrageous, which would suggest there are better options out there if Lopetegui still wants to add reinforcements to his forward line.
In other West Ham news, a Mohammed Kudus injury update has been shared following his half-time substitution v Brentford.
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