West Ham United are planning to make a second attempt to sign River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel during the summer, according to Argentine news outlet TNT Sports.
The Hammers reportedly made a loan-to-buy offer for the 23-year-old during the January transfer window, however a deal never materialised.
At the end of the loan move, West Ham were willing to pay £8.3million for Montiel, which didn’t meet the asking price set by River Plate.
Reports suggest that the fullback has a £13.1m release clause from his current deal, which is significantly higher than the Hammers’ original offer.
David Moyes would have to match that clause if he is to capture the signing of the sought-after defender, who is already a part of the Argentina national set-up.
Montiel has featured in four international friendlies this season, as well as making 19 appearances for league leaders River Plate in all competitions.
During that spell, the West Ham target has notched two assists in the Superliga, helping claim victories over San Lorenzo and Banfield.
The Hammers are currently short of options at right-back, with Ryan Fredericks ruled out with a shoulder injury and Pablo Zabaleta struggling for game time at the age of 35.
West Ham have unearthed Jeremy Ngakia though, who has impressed in both fixtures against league leaders Liverpool this season.
The 19-year-old also player a key role in their 3-1 victory over Southampton too, and could make the position his own in the absence of Fredericks.
Ngakia would be a much cheaper option for Moyes if he opts to have faith in the youngster, but if not West Ham could be set to splash out over £13m on Montiel during the summer.
