It didn't take very long but West Ham have been massively backed in to favourites to swoop for striker Maxi Gomez this summer with the bookmakers.
The markets opened with the Hammers hovering around 6/1 with some bookies to bring the Uruguayan frontman to London Stadium once the transfer window opens on May 17.
Less than 24 hours later, Manuel Pellegrini's side are now as short at 7/4 favourites with SkyBet to sign the 13-goal striker from Celta Vigo as the manager targets at least one new striker during the summer transfer window.
BetVictor priced Gomez up as 6/1 to sign when the market opened up and he has been backed in with them to 15/8, second favourites behind Liverpool who are 4/1 on to make the move.
Pellegrini reveals every West Ham player will know their futures next week ahead of transfer window
The 22-year-old striker is a target for Pellegrini this summer as the manager looks to bolster his strikeforce ahead of the 2019/20 season as Andy Carroll is likely to be released, while Javier Hernandez and Lucas Perez are also on the chopping block if their valuations are met by potential buyers.
Gomez has hit 13 goals in La Liga this season but endured a lean spell between January and March where he went eight games without scoring. However, he has hit back since then and netted four goals in his previous eight outings as Vigo have almost secured safety in La Liga.
The true value of West Ham's squad revealed if Pellegrini wants to raise transfer funds
Celta stunned champions Barcelona at the weekend 2-0, a game in which Gomez scored, to move them five points clear of the relegation zone with two games to go.
Had Celta Vigo been relegated then the Hammers could have snared the striker for around £24m. Other reports claim that Gomez has a release clause of around £40m but could be negotiated down if the price is right.
The striker has recently spoken about rumours surrounding his future and admitted he has been keeping an eye on social media to see what has been said about him, though he didn't reference West Ham.
"There are many comments through social networks, what if I sign for Barcelona, if I go to Liverpool...I am very calm and in Vigo I feel very comfortable," Gomez said.
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android .
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
