Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
West Ham offered Maxi Gomez alternative after transfer fell through, swap deal possible
WEST HAM have been offered the chance to sign Marseille striker Florian Thauvin after a deal for Maxi Gomez fell through.
Gomez to make a 'big decision' about West Ham says pundit
West Ham were on the verge of signing Gomez from Celta Vigo for a club-record £45m having convinced the player to snub Valencia.
But the Hammers could not agree on a payment structure for the 22-year-old, calling off the move.
Gomez is now expected to join Valencia after all, with three players moving to Celta Vigo as part of the deal.
West Ham have not given up their hunt for a new striker, though, and have reportedly been offered Thauvin by Marseille.
Sky Sports report the forward, who scored 16 goals and laid on eight assists in 33 Ligue 1 appearances last season could move to London Stadium as part of a swap deal.
West Ham have lost three strikers this summer in Marko Arnautovic, who joined Shanghai SIPG for £22.4m, Lucas Perez, who left for Alaves in a £2m deal, and Andy Carroll, who was released upon the expiration of his contract.
Javier Hernandez is the only senior striker left, with Jordan Hugill also knocking on the door.
According to the report, Marseille want Chicharito as well as £36m for Thauvin.
Hernandez was awarded the No 9 shirt on Monday, however, typically given to the club’s chief striker.
That suggests Manuel Pellegrini would be tentative to let go of the Mexican, who has scored 16 goals in 61 appearances for West Ham.
Speaking of his stint in claret and blue in March, Hernandez gave no indication he wanted to leave.
The former Manchester United frontman, who has one year left on his deal, said: “They bring in a manager who knows how to win things in most of the leagues, and they are spending a lot of money to bring in good players, with a good mentality as well.
"Sixty-thousand people at home every match, so I think everything is getting there.
"Hopefully, this club can get in that part of always fighting for European positions every season, that is the main goal."