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According to Portuguese publication Record, who cite unnamed Mexican sources, Benfica’s Nicola Castillo has emerged as a January transfer target for Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham, who reportedly met with his countryman’s agents this week to discuss a move to London.
What’s the word?
The Hammers are floating just three points above the drop zone but are getting ready to bail out in January as holes start to show; an injury list including the likes of Andriy Yarmolenko and Manuel Lanzini has left the London Stadium outfit short of options in the midfield and attacking areas.
The performances of Michail Antonio and Javier Hernandez were poor as they were drafted in for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup loss to Spurs with many fans bemoaning both on social media for their lack of effort and many feel that, despite spending just shy of £100m in the summer, fresh faces are needed urgently in the new year.
Unnamed Mexican sources (via Record) link burly striker Castillo with a switch to the Irons, so what would the 25-year-old offer Pellegrini and his teammates?
Castillo in Claret and Blue
The number 30 left Liga MX outfit UNAM Pumas in July after having a solid season in Mexico in which he chalked up 17 goals and four assists in 30 games in all competitions.
Known for his ability in the air and his strength in hold-up play, the Santiago-born hitman’s physicality would be a nightmare for most defenders and his stats back up the fact that he is a clinical finisher, exactly what West Ham need as they seek to score only their 10th goal of the season.
Transfermarkt points out that the 5ft 10in forward was awarded ten cards in his 30 games last season, eight yellow and two red, indicating that his discipline could do with some work. However, after seeing the lethargic performances from the aforementioned Antonio and Hernandez the West Ham faithful would probably relish the thought of bringing in a player who would get stuck in.
At the very least the former Frosinone Calcio man would be a decent back-up option to Marko Arnautovic and depth is what the East London side need the most in January.
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