According to Livorno president Aldo Spinelli, West Ham are close to signing talented Italian stiker Alessandro Diamanti. West Ham have agreed a fee of around £5.7 million which will be paid in installments over three years. Diamanti scored 15 goals in Serie B last season and caught the eye of many big European teams. West Ham are in dire need of attacking alternatives after England international striker Dean Ashton had to retire through injury. Diamanti was reported to be in London today undergoing medical before signing a long term contract.
Livorno’s director of sport, Nelso Ricci said –
West Ham will pay €6.5 million over three years. We couldn’t have kept a player who wanted to leave for another club.’Diamanti told us he wanted to go to England as it was a chance of a lifetime for him’
Livorno have already strengthened their squad with the cash they have received for Diamanti. They have signed Nelson Rivas for Inter Milan and Mozart from Palmerias.
West Ham are also closing in on Bordeaux attacker Marouane Chamakh. Reports suggest that the Hammers will have to raise money by selling some players to pay Chamakh’s transfer fee. Defender James Collins is the subject of interest of many Premier League clubs like Aston Villa and Stoke. West Ham are demanding £5 million for Collins – a fee that would be used to lure Chamakh from Bordeaux.
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