Hammers ruled out regularly named “target”

Exclusive by Hughie Southon

West Ham have denied that they are likely to move for Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz following the arrival of new signing Gianluca Scamatta.

The Championship front man has been linked with the Irons for months and at one stage it was believed that he would become the Hammers main signing in the position.

But since then there has been constant speculation that we may make him our third option up top following the arrival of the Italy international.

That increased when it was learned that he was in the same agency stable as Flynn Downes who arrived at the Irons from Swansea City.

The manager appears to have other priorities given the new man and Mikey Antonio are available for the central striking role with Jarrod Bowen available in emergencies.

Commenting on the possibility of Brereton-Diaz joining the Hammers were were told: “There are other priorities and that is very unlikely.”