Bayer Leverkusen have edged past West Ham in the race for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrović, according to the Daily Star.
The Bundesliga side are said to have opened negotiations with Fulham, who are holding out for their £30million valuation of the Serbian frontman, whose 11 Premier League goals couldn’t steer the club clear of relegation last season.
Maxi Gómez of Celta Vigo is West Ham’s primary strike target, as has been reported by ExWHUEmployee. However, negotiations are set to be long drawn out as the insider has also claimed the club have identified the Serbia international as their main back up option.
With Andy Carroll and Lucas Pérez both having left and Javier Hernández also expected to depart, it is imperative that West Ham bring in reinforcements up front. Though with both Gómez and Mitrović costing relatively large fees, it is almost impossible the Hammers will be able to get both.
This has naturally seen them put more of their attention into the Gómez deal as he is the primary target and while it could pay off, Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in the Fulham man means the Hammers run the risk of losing out on both strike targets.
