West Ham enter race for Betis striker

West Ham United have entered the race to secure the signature of Real Betis striker Antonio Sanabria, according to Marca.

French publication L’Equipe claimed this week that he was a target for Ligue 1 outfit Nice, but it now appears that the Premier League club, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, are ready to pay around €22m to secure the Paraguay international’s signature before the transfer market in England closes on August 9.

Betis would like to keep Sanabria at the Benito Villamarin for at least another year, but any substantial offer for the player would likely alter their plans ahead of the new season.

Sanabria signed a five-year deal with Betis in July 2016 after arriving from Roma for a reported fee of €7.5m, with the Serie A giants retaining a 50 per cent clause on any subsequent transfer and a buy-back agreement.

The 22-year-old spent four months of last season on the sidelines with a serious knee injury after netting seven goals in just six league starts for Los Beticos, but returned to first-team action towards the end of the campaign.

Tags Nice Sanabria West Ham United
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