In a transfer boost for West Ham, the Hammers reportedly lead the race to sign Montpellier forward Gaetan Laborde.
According to reports by L’Equipe, the Ligue 1 outfit are looking to raise funds in order to offset the ‘collateral damage’ sustained as a result of the global economic situation – and Laborde could be the key man sold to plug the club’s shortfalls.
The 26-year-old, valued at £9million by Transfermarkt, has already amassed an impressive tally of 3 goals and 5 assists in 13 appearances in all competitions this season.
However, the cash crisis exacerbating the need for Montpellier to raise funds has not gone unnoticed from other sides. Aside from West Ham, Newcastle are said to be a major suitor for the Frenchman’s signature, whilst there is further interest from a multitude of sides in Germany and Russia.
The price tag of the player is reported to be just under £11 million in a further boost to interested suitors as the French outfit look to boost their coffers at short notice.
Laborde is an experienced youth international but has yet to be capped by the senior team.
Read West Ham Verdict
The liquidity crisis at Montpellier presents a useful opportunity that can be exploited by the Hammers.
However, competition looks set to be fierce. For this reason, West Ham may wish to avoid being sucked into a bidding war for the maturing striker. Only a bargain will do; Michail Antonio and Sebastien Haller already represent two dynamic and differing striking options, so Laborde would find competition to be stiff at the London Stadium.
