Italian giants will compete with Hammers for striker
West Ham United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, as AS Roma prepare to submit a £24 million.
Bacca, who has netted 18 league goals in 38 appearances since joining the Serie A outfit from Sevilla in 2015, is continuing to attract interest, after making a name for himself with the Spanish outfit and helping them to win the Europa League.
But it seems AC Milan’s ownership of the 29-year-old could be short lived, with both Roma and West Ham looking to spend significantly to take the Colombian from the Giallorossi’s grasp.
Reports in the Italian press had suggested that the Hammers were favourites for Bacca’s signature, however, Roma now seem to be the team leading the chase.
Bacca’s agent Sergio Barila was reportedly set to discuss personal terms in London, but those talks haven’t confirmed any plans for the striker to start a new phase of his career, in London.
Roma see Bacca as an ideal replacement for Edin Dzeko, who failed to bag the goals they had expected him to, while they will use the money from the sale of Miralem Pjanic to Juventus, in order to fund a move.
The Italians are reportedly ready to offer the former Sevilla man £3.6 million a year, and bonuses, to keep him at the club until 2019.
“Bacca and myself are evaluating more than one possibility,” said Barila.
“There are many important teams who have contacted us, which is normal since Bacca is a striker who guarantees many goals per season.”
