West Ham United have found themselves pulled into the developing battle for striker Fotis Ioannidis, as several clubs compete for his signature.
Corriere di Bologna cover the player today as the Italian club target a €20m deal for the Panathinaikos striker, who could be a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee.
They’ll need to make the striker the most expensive purchase in the history of the club but have already submitted an €18m bid that includes €2m in very achievable bonuses to take it to €20m.
That’s not enough to tempt the Greek side into a deal, especially given Ipswich Town have already seen a €25m bid rejected earlier this week.
Panathinaikos believe that other clubs will soon enter the bidding for the striker, with West Ham specifically named as a party who are waiting in the wings but could soon move.
They’ve followed the striker closely for months and could now be ready to move as they look to bolster Julen Lopetegui’s squad with the striker that it needs.
They’ll have to match Panathinaikos’ demands for the striker, with the Greek side valuing him at €30m, a price Corriere di Bologna believe nobody will be willing to pay for him.
The Hammers would also be wise to take note of the growing comments around Ioannidis, with a report this week questioning his attitude amid the ongoing transfer battle for him.
That’s something to consider if they are ready to join that struggle, which Corriere and it seems Panathinaikos, are expecting to happen at some point.
