As per Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham are interested in bringing Shandong Luneng striker Graziano Pelle back to the Premier League as they look to make a late swoop for an attacker.
The 32-year-old Italy international left Southampton for the Chinese Super League in the summer of 2016, becoming the 5th highest paid footballer in the world in the process.
Pelle currently earns £13.5million per season, and if West Ham are willing to match his £250,000 wages, or if he’s willing to take a significant pay cut, remains to be seen.
Reacting to the transfer rumour, talkSPORT football expert Alan Brazil claimed he doesn’t believe the Hammers have a chance of signing the Italian hitman.
He revealed on his Sports Breakfast Show: “He’s getting nearly £14 million a year in China, and West Ham are interested, but how are they going to play that? No chance for me.”
West Ham have seen wantaway striker Diafra Sakho leave for Rennes, while Andre Ayew and Javier Hernandez are still being linked with an exit.
Another striker is needed to provide depth, and Pelle, who has 120 career league goals – 23 of which came during a 2-season stint with the Saints – will be a great addition given his topflight experience.
However, it remains to be seen if he’s willing to leave his high-paying Chinese gig for a return to England.
