Perezxit rumours persist

Perez – a possible loan departure?

Real Betis remain keen on signing Lucas Perez from West Ham claim Estadio Deportivo

Betis want a loan with an option to buy while West Ham have demanded any loan came with a compulsory transfer deal in the summer. West Ham wants £4m for the striker they purchased for the same fee with £880,000 as an upfront payment.

Yesterday Spanish publication AS reported that Perez is also an ‘option’ for Barcelona. Ernesto Valverde is looking for a backup for Luis Suarez say AS with only one remaining out-and-out striker at Camp Nou.

Perez has managed two goals in 10 Premier League appearances for West Ham this season.

But according to AS, the 30-year-old’s name is on a shortlist of potential signings for the Spanish giants.

The timing of the latest reports comes a rough time for the Hammers with Marko Arnautovic linked with a move to China and Javier Hernandez is linked to a move to Valencia. Surely West Ham could not dispose of three strikers in January with two weeks remaining.