Reports have emerged today linking West Ham with a c.£6.5m transfer move for Sporting Lisbon striker, Islam Slimani. The original news story stems from the Portugese press, who have observed that West Ham made an abortive attempt to sign Slimani in last January’s transfer window and are now continuing their pursuit of the player. In January, the failed move took the format of an inital loan deal, with the option of a permanent move thereafter. This summer, West Ham may well ‘bite the bullet’ financially and seek to land the 26 year old Algerian international in a permanent deal.

Slimani is currently on international duty, at the World Cup in Brazil, with the Algerian Squad. So far he has made a second half substitutes appearance in the match vs Belgium. We may get another glimpse of him in World Cup action this evening vs South Korea. At club level, his 8 goals and 4 assists in 26 appearances helped Sporting Lisbon to a creditable 2nd place finish in the Portugeses league. However, there is unlikely to be much room for negotiation on the fee, with Slimani contracted to Sporting Lisbon until 2017. Its a matter of whether the player offers something different that we do not currently have in the squad and that justifies paying the c.£6.5m fee.

Elsewhere, it has been widely reported that Turkish club, Fenerbance, have offered the Hammers the chance to sign former Chelsea and Liverpool miderfielder, Raul Meireles, for a nominal c.£2.5m fee. However, the sticking point is likely to be his wages, which are substantial. As such, it may be doubtful that this deal will come to fruitation. Although if it did, by some chance, Meireles, would certainly bring a bit of lost ‘character’ back to Upton Park!

Oh well, that’s the latest West Ham transfer rumours, lets see who we are linked with tomorrow!!

SJ. Chandos