West Ham‘s long-standing interest in Zambian forward Fashion Sakala could have been handed a significant boost as the 23-year-old faces the prospect of leaving Belgian side KV Oostende for nothing in the summer, as reported by the Daily Record.
Sakala, who has been subject to interest from Rangers and Newcastle as well as the Hammers, has only a few months remaining on his deal in Belgium, and his agent has revealed that the latest talks have concluded without agreement.
Oostende sporting director Gauthier Ganaye told the club’s official website that the agent is ‘not really respecting’ the club and is ‘no longer responding to our offers’. Ganaye also confirmed that Oostende received offers for Sakala on transfer deadline day, but it remains their intention to tie down the 13-cap Zambia international to a long-term deal.
Noted for his proficiency in front of goal, Sakala has been superb in the Jupiler Pro League this season, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances.
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With interest in the Zambian forward seemingly rife, the Hammers would be well served to position themselves in the box seat before his contract expires in the summer.
Having failed to recruit a much-needed striker in January, David Moyes will be pushing for an early resolution at the end of this season, and signing Sakala would be the ideal solution with little in the way of risk.
The money saved on a fee for the forward would allow Moyes to strengthen in other departments – a potential win-win situation for the Irons.
