West Ham fail in £25million bid for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez
Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini has targeted Uruguay forward as he continues overhaul of squad he inherited at the London Stadium
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WEST HAM have seen a £25million bid rejected for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez.
The Hammers made a formal bid to make the Uruguay international their player before the start of the season - and look set to return with an improved offer before the window closes.
Manuel Pellegrini turned to the 21-year-old to bolster his attack with an out-and-out striker, especially with Andy Carroll injured.
Javier Hernandez has just returned for pre-season training having played at the World Cup with Mexico, but he is the only other recognised striker in the squad.
Talisman Marko Arnautovic has impressed in his attacking role, but he often operates with more freedom around the pitch.
So Pellegrini is looking to bring in another player to add to his options as he prepares for his first season in charge at the London Stadium.
And Lopez has caught the eye after a stunning first season in Spain after arriving from South America.
He scored 18 goals for Celta to earn a place in Uruguay's World Cup squad this summer.
Should the Hammers manage to agree a deal with the La Liga club before the transfer window closes, it would complete a busy summer of business for the club.
So far Pellegrini has been able to welcome seven new players to the club - with £42m Brazilian Felipe Anderson shattering the club's transfer record.
Jack Wilshere has been snapped up on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal, while Ryan Fredericks also arrived without a fee having left Fulham at the end of last season.
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Lukasz Fabiankski has been brought in to solve the problem position in goal, while Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena have come in to bolster the leaky defence of last season.
Andriy Yarmolonko completes the list of new arrivals - and should Lopez arrive it would represent an impressive final piece of business by West Ham.
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