Hammers drop interest in striker.
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West Ham United have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign Colombian international striker Duvan Zapata, Sky Sports reports.
Zapata currently plays his football with Argentinian side Estudiantes and had been a target for Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, who was hoping to land the 22-year-old for around £8 million.
The club had applied for a work permit for the player in the hope of being able to strike a deal with him, however, the bid initially failed, but West Ham attempted to appeal the decision, claiming he was a ‘special talent’ that would aide the English game.
But in a sudden change of heart the club have decided not to pursue his services any longer, instead claiming that they are now looking elsewhere at other targets instead.
Zapata, who is believed to have other interest in England, has attracted interest from Italy and Spain with the likes of Sassuolo and Atletico Madrid both said to be monitoring his situation.
The player himself has insisted he is in no hurry to leave Argentina, telling Ole: “If I do leave then the board need to find a new striker, a target man, so my idea is to stay.”
Zapata finished the Argentinian season with 14 goals in 30 appearances.