“Half of Europe” chasing top Irons target

West Ham are fully aware that they have competition “right across Europe” for the top Marseilles striker Michy Batshuayi.

Whilst the loan arrival of Emanuelle Emenike has been preoccupying the Hammers headlines, the real hard work has been concentrated on Batshuayi during January.

We were told early in the window that with things being very quiet  most concentration would be on lining up the main summer signing – that 20 goal striker who has eluded us for so many years.

With relationships good with the French club from the signing of Dimitri Payet, the Irons have been in conversations over the last two or three weeks.

But it’s been clear for some time that clubs right across Europe are into the player who has so far managed 21 goals in 26 games for Marseille.

We were told: “It’s well known that he loves playing with Payet and has made his appreciation of the player very clear. You look for every edge you can get.

“But it’s already very clear that half of Europe want the lad and it will be a very tough fight.”