West Ham's bid to sign Paul Onuachu under threat if collapsing if deal is not reached by August

ENGLISH Premier League club West Ham's bid to sign Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu from Belgian side Genk faces being derailed with the deal under threat of collapsing if the two sides cannot reach a deal by the first week in August.

Onuachu, 27, had a very impressive season in the Belgian Juliper League last year where he scored 35 goals in 41 games for Genk. With Michail Antonio being the only recognised senior centre forward option at West Ham, Hammers manager David Moyes knows he needs to strengthen his attack next season, especially as the club will be playing in the Europa League, so Onuachu has been on his radar.

For weeks, the matter has dragged on but Genk are holding out for £26m but are open to selling the striker for £22m provided some clauses can be included in the deal. However, West Ham only want to part with £13m and Onuachu’s representatives are ready to switch to other targets if the deal cannot be concluded by the first week of August.

West Ham are beginning to get frustrated with the deal as Mr Moyes would love to have a new striker in as soon as possible. For a deal to be secured Genk would have to reduce their price, while West Ham need to increase their offer for a deal to work out.