West Ham Transfer News: Nuno ready to meet release clause of La Liga star

West Ham United are reportedly extremely keen on bringing in a La Liga youngster to the London Stadium this month.

The Hammers are in a Premier League relegation battle, but did their cause the world of good last weekend with their late win over Spurs.

Nuno Espirito Santo has been busy in January, bringing in the likes of Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, while Luis Guilherme and Niclas Fullkrug have been among the departees.

However, with just two weeks of the transfer window remaining, it appears as though the Hammers remain busy – and are set to go head-to-head with a Premier League rival for a talented La Liga youngster.

According to Spain-based outlet Fichajes, West Ham are prepared to meet the £30m release clause of Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia.

The 19-year-old is enjoying a breakout campaign in southern Spain, having earned his first La Liga starts earlier this season.

While he has not exactly had plenty of game time this term, it appears he has got the attention of Premier League scouts, with West Ham and Bournemouth interested in fast-tracking a move to England in the coming weeks.

The Hammers are seeking yet more attacking firepower as they strive to climb the league table and see Garcia as a potentially gamechanging addition.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are still looking for a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who left for Manchester City in a £65m deal earlier this month.

For both clubs, Garcia’s release clause represents an opportunity, as Betis are not in control over the player’s short-term future.

The Cherries have plenty of money to spend and have experience in investing wisely from high-profile exits like Dean Huijsen and Dominic Solanke.

In contrast, West Ham are desperate to retain their Premier League status, but despite having the worst defence in the league, Espirito Santo appears to think that scoring goals is going to be more important if the east Londoners are to stay up.

There aren’t too many solid wide options for West Ham at present, though Crysencio Summerville offered a glimpse into his abilities with his goal at the weekend.

And with Lucas Paqueta expected to head toward the exit door, there is surely room for another attacker despite the arrivals of the more central Castellanos and Pablo Felipe.

The report states that West Ham are in no mood to hang around, saying they “do not want to engage in prolonged negotiations”.

That is where Garcia’s release clause can come in handy, by cutting his club out of any negotiations, while Bournemouth’s interest may accelerate their movements even more.

On the face of it, the only remaining issue would be whether this quick solution will deliver the goods when West Ham need it most.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.