Javier Hernandez is closing in on a move to West Ham. (Reuters)

Jose Mourinho has praised West Ham’s move for Javier Hernandez as the former Manchester United striker closes in on a return to the Premier League.

West Ham have agreed a £16 million deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the Mexico international, who is now due to travel to London to undergo a medical and finalise the terms of his move.

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Hernandez scored 59 goals in 156 appearances during his time at United but was sold during Louis van Gaal’s reign for just £7.3m

Last season, Mourinho suggested that he would not have sold Hernandez if he were in charge of United at the time, and the Portuguese now admits he’s impressed with West Ham’s decision to recruit the 29-year-old.




‘The credit of [Romelu] Lukaku and [Victor] Lindelof to be here on time, the credit is not mine, it is Ed Woodward and his team,’ Mourinho said after the 2-0 victory over Manchester City in Houston, Texas.

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Mourinho admits he wouldn’t have sold Hernandez at United. (Getty Images)

‘I thank him for that fantastic work to bring us two very important players for us.

‘But we need a bit more when you see the other teams in the Premier League, like Man City, Liverpool and West Ham, the way they get players, good players, important players.

Hernandez won two premier League titles during his time at United. (Getty Images)

‘The champions have bought three fantastic experienced players.

‘I am thinking about West Ham for the first match of the Premier League. They have got Joe Hart, Chicharito and [Marko] Arnautovic. It looks like they are playing to win the Premier League, too.

‘The teams are fantastic in the market. I am waiting for a bit more.’

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