West Ham is still looking at the possibility of securing a last-minute loan deal that will see FC Krasnodar striker Fedor Smolov join the Hammers.
The Irons have ruled out any permanent bid for the 27-year-old over fears of Russian players success in the Premier League but would consider a short-term loan if their plan to bring Islam Slimani in on loan falls through.
The Russian side would rather sell the 27-year-old forward outright and are demanding £12m for his signature but there is a small possibility they could change their minds as the deadline fast approaches.
Smolov started his professional career at Dynamo Moscow and was snapped up by Krasnodar in 2015. The striker is expected to play a big role for Russia in the World Cup this summer and has scored eleven international goals in 28 caps for his country. The forward wants to be sure he gets a regular start in any club he moves to.
Hasn’t Slimani picked up a thigh injury?
Not that that matters, expect to see him in the claret and blue sometime late March.
Well it looks like Newcastle have got Slimani .Disgraceful that a club of this size is only willing to do last minute loan deals after having a month in which to do business.Would you let your best player go and to rub salt into the wounds accept a loan deal in the process?.The owners live in dream world and are light years behind the top teams in how to conduct yourself in the transfer market.Scratching around with a few hours to go its laughable.
and the reason his club will let their best player and country captain leave on loan is?
Slimani would definitely be my preferred option if he is not injured or it is only minor, wanted us to sign him for a few seasons now, as for Smolov from the very limited clips I see of him looks to be relatively slow and more a number 10 than a number 9, definitely a loan to buy rather than a buy outright type as someone else mentioned not so many Russians have succeeded in the PL, Ings if we could get him back to his Burnley form would be a good shout but again not an out and out number 9 but better than Hernandez at holding the ball up.
I agree with the bear. If hes that good why do they want to sell or possibly be convinced on a last minute loan.
I cant see what sugo dont understand about all this loan rubbish. Imagine you are a player, and someone says hmmm we like you but we’re not that confident in you. Can we borrow you and decide if we like you. Confidence shatrered and instantly my back would be up.
Wont happen, there is under 12 hours left of the window. its too late to fly him over agree a deal and pass a medical. Just wont happen.
I would be very surprised if we signed anyone.
This “Who will blink first” attitude is nonsensical. To pick up an in form international who is scoring freely for £12m is a ludicrously good deal.
Any worries that a 6’2″ powerful, two footed centre centre forward, who is good with his head and has excellent control, might not fit in the PL because others Russians have struggled is completely unfounded.
To miss out on him because you lose a game of chicken, would be stupid beyond belief.
For God’s sake get this deal done!!!!