West Ham United may have been handed a fresh opening in the race for Jamie Vardy after São Paulo’s interest in the free-agent striker cooled over his wage demands.
The Hammers have made an enquiry about the 39-year-old as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to add another forward to his squad, with Troy Parrott and Joel Piroe among the other options under consideration.
São Paulo subsequently opened discussions over a surprise move for Vardy, but the Brazilian club are now unlikely to advance under the current financial conditions.
According to UOL, negotiations cooled on Monday after Vardy’s salary demands were deemed too high for São Paulo’s present budget.
West Ham handed fresh Jamie Vardy transfer opening
Vardy is available without a transfer fee after leaving Cremonese following their relegation from Serie A.
The former Leicester City captain scored seven goals in 29 appearances in Italy last season and remains of interest to several clubs as he considers his next move.
TalkSPORT reported earlier on Monday that West Ham have made an enquiry, while Sheffield Wednesday have also explored whether a deal could be possible.
São Paulo had emerged as another option, with discussions taking place through the striker’s representatives.
That route now appears considerably less advanced.
UOL reports that the Brazilian club believe fitting Vardy’s requested salary into their financial structure would be difficult, although the striker is willing to reduce the wages he earned previously.
West Ham still have a decision of their own to make.
Nuno publicly called for further attacking reinforcements after Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Burnley, while the Hammers continue assessing different centre-forward options.
ReadWestHam has already highlighted the importance of adding sufficient depth to Nuno’s promotion squad, particularly across a demanding 46-match Championship season.
Vardy would represent the lowest-cost option in terms of transfer fee, although his salary and age would have to form part of West Ham’s calculation.
São Paulo cooling their interest does not mean a move to east London is suddenly close.
But with one potential destination now encountering a major financial obstacle, West Ham’s route towards the Premier League-winning striker has become a little clearer.
