West Ham are working on a deal for Basel forward Albian Ajeti as they search for a new striker within their remaining transfer budget.
The Hammers have opened talks over the 22-year-old Switzerland international who Basel value at £8m.
The two clubs are some way from reaching an agreement and West Ham will decide if their budget can stretch to meet Basel’s asking price as they target a late move for a striker before Thursday’s deadline.
Ajeti scored 15 goals in 35 games for Basel last season and has seven caps for Switzerland. He was a substitute for Switzerland when they lost 1-0 to England in a friendly at Wembley last September.
Brentford are also interested in Ajeti as they search for a replacement for Neal Maupay following his £20million departure to Brighton last night. The player, though, is thought to prefer a move to the Premier League.
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to boost his forward options for the new season, with new £45m club-record signing Sebastien Haller and Javier Hernandez the only senior recognised strikers at the club.
But West Ham used a large chunk of their transfer budget on Haller and have limited funds available as look to strengthen further in the final days of the window.
West Ham, meanwhile, were today expected to announce the £2.75m signing of Boavista defender Goncalo Cardoso. The 18-year-old flew to London yesterday to undergo a medical and finalise a deal to become the fifth summer signing at the London Stadium.
