West Ham face competition from two London rivals to sign Mexican winger Orbelin Pineda, according to a report from 90min.
The report claimed that scouts from fellow London top-flight clubs Arsenal and Tottenham have shown an interest in the Cruz Azul player, who can play across the attacking midfield positions.
Wolves, Everton, Southampton, and Newcastle United have also been credited with interest along as a host of European giants as the race to bring the Mexican to Europe in the near future intensifies.
Capped 21 times by Mexico, Pineda was thought to be close to completing a switch to Manchester City back in 2016 but the move failed to materialise.
Pineda has played 15 times this season in the Liga MX Apertura for Cruz Azul and has two direct goal contributions.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Although his statistics across his career to date don’t set the world alight, Pineda is nonetheless a fully-fledged Mexican international.
Back in 2016, amidst the initial talk of a European move, his then-manager Matias Almeyda told ESPN: “It’s normal that Orbelin is being talked about. He’s one of those players that has to end up in a great European club. He has the talent and attributes. It is normal that clubs in Europe look at the best players.”
David Moyes’ squad is well stocked for wingers, with Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals, Andriy Yarmalenko, Robert Snodgrass and new signing Said Benrahma all capable performers on the flanks.
Should the Hammers pursue the Mexico star, it is likely one or more of the current crop would have to make way to facilitate a place in the squad for the newcomer.
