Hammers interest in Valencia starlet

02.10.2014, Paterna, Spain. Foto Oficial equipos Valencia CF.

West Ham are close to signing  Toni Martinez for £2.4 million according to reports in Spain repeated by the Daily Mail today.

Martinez has starred in Valencia’s youth teams for the past few years, scoring over 100 goals in four seasons, but he’s grown tired over his lack of first-team opportunities.

It is claimed the 18-year-old is being targeted by Head of Recruitment Tony Henry as West Ham look for backup options for attack in the future. The reports claims the Hammers are close to his signature suggesting the player is anxiously waiting for a call from his agent.

Valencia have been managed by Gary Neville this season but are struggling. They seem open to selling the young striker but would like to include a buy-back option in his contract incase it proves to be a success in the Premier League.

Martinez, who is able to play as a wide forward or a central striker, has made eight appearances in the UEFA Youth League, making three assists and scoring one goal himself.