‘Ambition’ - Journalist thrilled as West Ham now in ‘fierce’ race to sign £60m ‘magician’

West Ham United’s pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha ‘shows the ambition’ of the east London club, says journalist Pete O’Rourke.

According to a report by The Guardian, the Irons had a club-record bid rejected for the 25-year-old in January.

With Leeds in serious danger of relegation from the Premier League with just one game to go, the Brazil international’s exit from Elland Road has never appeared closer.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, La Liga giants Barcelona have made an opening bid of £29m for Raphinha.

However, The Mirror have reported that Leeds are holding out for a price tag closer to £60m, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and West Ham all in the race for his signature.

Sport have recently revealed that the Irons have ‘approached the striker again’, ahead of a proposed summer move.

O’Rourke believes that whilst the competition may be too ‘fierce’ for the Hammers, it is a great sign to see them amongst some of Europe’s top clubs.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he seemed thrilled for the Irons:

“Challenging in Europe and having a good run in Europe as well in the Europa League, reaching the semis.

“I think competition might be a bit fierce for Raphinha’s signature this summer, but it just shows the ambition that West Ham have got that they’re actually in the running to sign players like Raphinha.”

With a current market value of £40.5m (via Transfermarkt), this won’t be a cheap deal for GSB to get over the line if it costs anywhere between that number and his mooted £60m tag.

However, with the Brazilian’s talents on display, earning the label “magician” by teammate Dan James, West Ham would seemingly be justified if they were to break their club-record transfer fee for him.

Alth