West Ham make first £20m swoop for Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho as Everton and West Brom dither
WEST HAM have tabled a bid for £20million-rated Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Nigerian has been linked with a move to the London Stadium with West Brom and Everton also tracking the 20-year-old.
Iheanacho - who has only made one start for City this year - is expected to be allowed to leave the Etihad by boss Pep Guardiola.
And the Hammers have formally launched a bid as they look to get proceedings moving to sign the youngster.
Slaven Bilic is looking to strengthen in attacking areas after Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho endured injury-hit seasons.
The Hammers are willing to pay £25m for the out-of-favour ace, topping Everton who are also chasing his services.
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And Slaven Bilic’s side have learned he only earns £35,000-a-week at the Etihad, and are willing to DOUBLE his wages.
The pair were close pals at the Etihad, with Zabaleta becoming a mentor figure for the attacker.
West Ham believe the Argentine can help persuade 20-year-old Iheanacho to come to the London Stadium as Slaven Bilic searches for a forward.
Zabaletta joined on a free after being released by City and was given an emotional farewell.
The 32-year-old has been snapped-up by West Ham after nine-years at the Etihad where he won the Premier League twice.