West Ham have had a club record £60million bid for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez rejected.
The Hammers offered a fee of £50m with £10m in add-ons but have seen the bid rejected, while Nunez would prefer a move to a Champions League club.
West Ham are making a late push to bolster David Moyes’s forward line before the 11pm deadline on Monday evening. Nunez is the top scorer in the Portuguese league so far this season but the club are reluctant to sell.
Any move is further complicated by the forward being away on international duty in South America.
Manager David Moyes is keen to add top level forwards to his squad as cover for Michail Antonio this month, but the Hammers have also seen Leeds United snub an approach for Brazilian Raphinha.
Moyes is being backed financially as the Hammers look to strengthen their squad for a Champions League push, as well as a run in the Europa League knockout stages, but face a battle to land late any late deals.
There is an acceptance that any deal for Nunez is highly unlikely given the hurdles faced by the East Londoners.
An attacker and defender remain high among Moyes’ priorities as the Hammers look to compete in the FA Cup, Europa League, and push for a top-four finish in the Premier League in the coming months.
Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car is a target to bolster the defence.
West Ham are chasing a loan move for the Croatian, while his club are only interested in a permanent transfer at this stage.
