Traore ‘permit’ problem may let Lambert in!
West Ham have today revealed that they are “talking to agents” about the possibility of bringing giant striker Lacina Traore (pictured left) into Upton Park.
But top level long term Claretandhugh sources admit that there are “work permit issues” involved which has involved them in also holding discussions with Southampton which could see Rickie Lambert making a permanent move to the club.
The Saints want £6 million permanent deal for the England striker but the Irons would prefer to study other options before committing the cash on a 32 year old with little sell-on value.
Traore has been on the club’s radar for a while and our source said: “A loan deal for the lad would suit us better but there are obvious work permit difficulties.
“He has not completed the 75 per cent international qualification requirement so we would need to plead a special case which isn’t always easy.”
This was precisely as Claretandhugh reported the situation last week when news of a possible deal first broke and the club source agreed today that they could not afford a prolonged work permit fight.
He said: “That would take our eye off the ball elsewhere. He’s a player we like and we would like to do a deal but there are obvious complications in that area. That’s why the talks for Rickie Lambert are ongoing.”
“Traore might be the best way forward for us at the moment but we’ll have to see how that pans out over the next few days.”