West Ham willing to double club’s valuations of star striker.

With around a week left of the January transfer window, West Ham still do not look remotely close, from an outside perspective, to signing anyone.

Despite this lack of urgency, the Hammers are in desperate need of reinforcements, with a striker being the most vital area they need to add to.

However, it’s reported that West Ham are prepared to make an offer which is too good to turn down for Yuri Alberto. “Sources in Brazil are saying that West Ham are prepared to offer £20 million for him,” Tim Vickery told Sky Sports.

“Corinthians don’t want to sell but their valuation of the player was little more than half of that, so if there really is £20m on the table for Yuri Alberto then they could be making an offer that Corinthians can’t refuse.”

To me it seems bewildering as to why the Hammers would take a risk on an unproven striker. There’s a time and a place to do that, and perhaps the previous Summer was that time, but right now they must prioritise someone they know will hit the ground running.