West Ham have expressed an interest in signing Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez, according to the International Business Times.
The Spain U21 international only signed an improved contract with the Magpies earlier this year but is said to be considering a move away from St. James’ Park this summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
IBTimes claim the Hammers have joined Everton and Inter Milan in keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old’s situation this summer, while he has also previously been linked with moves to Man United and Tottenham.
It is being reported that Rafa Benitez is eager to keep Perez at Newcastle in order to boost his chances of guiding them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but would be willing to cash in if a club stumps up around £15m for the striker’s services.
That price tag may put potential suitors off, though West Ham’s clear intentions of spending big money on players this summer may also put them in the driving seat for Perez’s signature.
Perez signed for Newcastle from Tenerife in 2014 and has since scored 13 goals in 70 Premier League appearances.
Transfermarkt.com value him at just £6m, which is less than half Newcastle’s reported asking price.
