Leeds United are refusing to give up hope of hijacking West Ham’s move for Argentine striker Taty Castellanos and a medical has been booked.
The future of Lazio forward Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos has been thrown into doubt by West Ham’s dismal 3-0 defeat at Wolves, giving Leeds new hope of beating West Ham to his signature.
Leeds took a huge step towards Premier League safety without even kicking a ball on Saturday.
The Hammers were given encouragement when Forest lost at Villa but failed to do their part as they put in one of the worst first half performances ever seen from a Premier League team to lose at previously winless Wolves.
That effectively gave Leeds an eight-point cushion over West Ham in the relegation zone. A gap which has widened to nine points as a result of their 1-1 draw with Man United.
Leeds leave West Ham staring relegation in the face
The January transfer window is West Ham’s last chance to do something about their dire situation as they stare relegation in the face.
Ensuring new recruits arrive to help bridge the gap on the likes of Leeds will be vital for the Hammers.
This is shocking! 😰 Relegation is going to be dire for West Ham…
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So they can ill afford to miss out on any signings to their relegation rivals.
That is exactly what could happen, though, due to West Ham’s latest woeful performance and result.
Because Leeds still hope to hijack West Ham’s move for Castellanos amid doubts over Nuno Espirito Santo as a medical is booked.
West Ham were hit by a Leeds hijack attempt for Castellanos heading into the opening days of the window.
Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images
With the Elland Road outfit sitting in relative comfort above the bottom three, that prospect was of grave concern to West Ham – even if there are doubts over Castellanos’ record and suitability to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old Argentine forward – known as Taty – looked set to follow fellow striker Pablo through the London Stadium entrance in a reported £27 million move from Lazio.
Especially when the forward went to Lazio’s training ground to say his goodbyes and Taty told teammates he had chosen West Ham amid interest from Leeds.
Rumours still persisted Leeds were trying to change his mind.
Leeds hope to hijack Castellanos move amid Nuno uncertainty
But it seemed all but sealed for the Hammers when Castellanos was pictured at the airport bound for West Ham not Leeds.
However, the situation has been plunged into uncertainty due to fresh doubts and speculation over Nuno’s West Ham future.
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After nine games without a win, culminating in the diabolical 3-0 defeat to Wolves, there has been fresh doubts around Nuno’s position at West Ham.
The Hammers hierarchy have raged about the ‘terrible’ performance, making it clear to Nuno what is needed now.
That suddenly gave Leeds hope in the race for Castellanos overnight, with claims the deal had been put on hold by West Ham’s board while a decision is made on whether Nuno will continue.
Photo by Marco Iacobucci/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Making enquiries on the situation, Hammers News has been told by a leading West Ham source that while the Castellanos deal is not off, it is no longer as certain as it was before the Wolves debacle.
Hammers News understands Leeds are still trying to get the player to Elland Road instead, with the club able to dangle the carrot of being all but guaranteed to be a Premier League outfit next season – possibly at West Ham’s expense.
West Ham are staying tight-lipped on the percentage chances of Nuno choice Castellanos joining the club.
Prominent Hammers insider ExWHUemployee has also received similar information from his sources at the club.
West Ham’s Castellanos deal less certain but medical still booked
Ex has also revealed that West Ham have kept plans in place for a medical for Castellanos in the hope and belief the deal can still be completed despite the interest from Leeds.
Speaking on his West Ham Way Patreon, Ex says a planned medical is still set to go ahead with a view to the striker being registered by Monday’s 12pm cut-off for Tuesday’s must-win clash with Forest.
But, ominously, the club offered no guarantees amid the push from Leeds to lure him to Yorkshire, with a source saying: “I think it will happen, but it’s never done till its done”.
Likened to former Hammers favourite Marko Arnautovic, Castellanos is an all-rounder known for contributing as many assists as he does goals.
While his goalscoring record has never been particularly prolific, his relentless pressing from the front and workrate for the team is said to be a key attraction for both the Hammers and Leeds.
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