West Ham target Samu Omorodion has announced that he is changing his agent and he is “excited for what’s coming next”.
The Atletico Madrid striker, who spent last season on loan at Alaves, was subject to a Hammers bid worth €29million (£24.7m) plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons, which was turned down according to Marcos Duran on 4 June.
The Spanish giants bought the 20-year-old at the start of last season and are holding out for an up front offer of €40m (£34m).
Now the Spaniard has released a statement, relayed by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter on 14 June, saying: “I want to share an important decision: since May 29, I’ve decided to part company with my agent due to different views”.
“My career will now be in the hands of a person who’s close to my family. I’m excited for what’s coming next!”.
Omorodion may only have a single season of top flight senior football under his belt but after nine La Liga goals last season between Granada and Alaves he has already generated high-profile attention.
Roma are also after the Under-21 international, and are looking to get rid of another Irons target in Tammy Abraham to fund a move [Corriere dello Sport, 14 June].
An agent change nearly always leads to increased speculation that a move is on the cards, but whether the “different views” that have sparked the move relate to his transfer situation is unclear.
The Irons are said to be the only side who have yet made a proper proposal to sign Omorodion so if the club are serious about their pursuit then, as with the Abraham race, they probably need to take advantage of the fact that rivals appear to be trailing for now.
It is obvious that Julen Lopetegui needs reinforcements at striker, whether Michail Antonio is due to stay or not, since Danny Ings has failed to deliver the required goals and there is precious little behind him.
Omorodion looks like he could be on the move in the near future so now is probably the time to return with an improved offer if Tim Steidten and the new manager believe he is the man to lead the line in the new era.
In other West Ham news, a hugely-successful club would be willing to sell a player to the Hammers this summer.
