West Ham United have submitted a second bid for Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth after a first offer was rejected, according to El Periodico Mediterraneo.
The Hammers are determined to secure the services of the prolific Norwegian, who scored 26 goals in all competitions last season.
Sorloth finished second on the La Liga top scorer rankings behind Artem Dovbyk, bagging 23 league goals.
The Hammers identified the 28-year-old as a crucial target to bolster their attacking options following a disappointing campaign.
Sorloth’s physicality and goalscoring record make him an ideal fit for Julen Lopetegui’s side. He runs the channels relentlessly and works hard for the team defensively.
However, Villarreal are holding out for a fee closer to £38 million and will not accept a lower offer.
West Ham face competition from Roma and Newcastle United for Sorloth’s signature as the race for the in-demand forward intensifies.
Sorloth knows the Premier League, having featured for Crystal Palace between 2017 and 2019. Since then, he has been around the block, achieving success in Turkey and Spain.
After his underwhelming time with the Eagles, the former RB Leipzig striker will feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League.
West Ham have other targets like Aston Villa star Jhon Duran but look to have settled for the Villarreal man.
West Ham have already plugged some crucial holes in the squad, signing Wes Foderingham, Luis Guilherme, and Max Kilman. The Irons still need a right-back, a left-winger, and a centre-forward.
West Ham must choose Sorloth over Duran
While Duran is a promising young talent, West Ham may be wiser to pursue Sorloth. The Norwegian boasts a proven track record, having excelled in multiple leagues.
His age and experience mean he should be ready to make a more immediate impact compared to the unproven Duran.
Also, concerns about Duran’s character, which reportedly scuppered a Chelsea move, raise question marks over his potential fit at West Ham.
On the other hand, Sorloth comes with a clean slate and a proven ability to find the back of the net.