Journalist Oma Akatugba has refuted claims in the Italian press that West Ham have joined the race to sign Lille striker Victor Osimhen.

Napoli were said to have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United to the signing of the Nigerian international, having agreed an initial €60m (£55m) fee.

However, the delay in the transfer being finalised has led to speculation that the likes of the Hammers and other clubs could hijack the deal. Speaking on Italian radio, Akatugba said he had asked Osimhen about the rumours:

“Victor is enjoying his holidays in Lagos and is playing football with his friends. He said it’s okay. West Ham? It’s all a lie . There is no offer from West Ham to Lille.”

“According to him, it is a lie and he knows absolutely nothing about it. Napoli will enjoy Victor’s qualities and I make a prediction: hewill do better than Cavani in Naples.”

Although Irons boss David Moyes is likely very keen to sign a new striker, the only way they could have afforded Osimhen is if they could have sold Sebastien Haller first.

There are claims that West Ham could be prepared to offload the Frenchman, although it is highly unlikely that they’ll be able to recoup the £45m they paid Eintracht Frankfurt for the player last summer.