West Ham have pulled in front of Newcastle in the race for AC Milan forward Krzysztof Piatek, according to reports.
Calciomercato (via HITC) claims that both sides are both very much in the race for the Polish striker, despite claims suggesting that Piatek would not join anything less than a Champions League side.
However, unfortunately for Newcastle’s sake, it seems as if David Moyes’ side are in the ascendancy for his signature if the Italian reports are true.
The Magpies chances of signing the 24-year-old have been described as a ‘more remote’ possibility than him joining West Ham, who are said to be ‘vigilant’ over Piatek’s situation.
Alan Nixon from The Sun reported on January 18 that the move looked unlikely, despite reportedly being the only team that were willing to buy him permanently.
The report also went onto say that he wasn’t interested as he only wanted to join a Champions League side, which would seemingly put Tottenham Hotspur as the favourites, however, they have allegedly dropped out of the running.
Would you back Piatek to score goals at St James' Park?
He's not a defender, so no
Definitely
More than Joelinton
It’s claimed that he will cost £35m – a fee which is deemed to be a problem for much of the teams interested in him.
Given the contrasting stories coming out about the attacker, it is had to see him joining the club at the moment. He managed to get his big move to AC Milan this time last year and was an instant hit at the club, and the reports don’t suggest he is exactly wanting out – so joining a smaller club in Newcastle might not well be on his agenda.
Piatek is no certainty for goals for either, this season he has been far from prolific, scoring just four goals in 18 Serie A games, three of which came from spot-kicks.
In total he has scored 26 in 55 games in the Italian top-tier, which is clearly a mightily impressive record, however, that equates to less than two full seasons.
It’s not as if chances come often for forwards at the club either. He might well look at the fact that only one goal has come from a Newcastle striker in the league this season and might well think this is not the club to get his career back on track.