West Ham in Armando Broja boost as Southampton pull out of transfer race for Chelsea striker after loan

SOUTHAMPTON will not be pursuing a move for Armando Broja.

And that is set to give West Ham a huge transfer boost.

The Albanian striker, 20, spent last season at St Mary's on loan from Chelsea.

West Ham have made him their top target this summer.

And they are set to bid around £30million to try to convince the Blues to sell.

Saints were initially keen to explore a fresh move for Broja, whether it be on loan or on a permanent deal.

But they have now moved on to other striker targets, meaning a return to the South Coast for Broja looks extremely unlikely.

The Cobham graduate scored nine goals in 38 games under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

And David Moyes would love Broja to lead West Ham’s charge in next term’s Europa Conference League.

No formal talks have been held between the Hammers and Chelsea.

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But negotiations will commence once the £30m offer is officially submitted.

New Blues owner Todd Boehly is taking charge of transfer talks this summer.

That’s after Bruce Buck stepped down as chairman.

And transfer guru Marina Granovskaia is also set to depart.

Thomas Tuchel is believed to be keen on seeing Broja close-up in pre-season training.

But he also needs funds to build a squad in his image, with Romelu Lukaku on the verge of a loan back to Inter Milan.

Man City’s Raheem Sterling is Tuchel’s top target this summer.

And a deal for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is also close.