West Ham have this morning admitted for the first time that the club is hoping to clinch a deal for Ecuador star Enner Valencia.

Until now the only talking had come from the player’s club president Jesus Martinez who said there had been various offers with the strongest and closest to the player’s demands coming from England.

Whilst widely speculated that the Irons were the club involved, there has been no confirmation until now.

However, Claret and Hugh was told a few minutes ago by a trusted Boleyn source: “He didn’t travel overnight as we had hoped. We don’t think it’s anything sinister.”

That’s the first time anyone in the club has spken about the ‘deal’ and it is understood the bid for the player is, as reported, around £12 million for the 25 year old who plays for Pachuca.

President, Martinez added: “We are making huge steps to finalise the negotiations.”

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