West Ham have made an enquiry for Celta Vigo forward Morgen Strand Larsen, according to Radio Galega (via Moiceleste.com).
Journalist Victor Lopez revealed on the “Ao Contraataque” program that the Hammers have been in contact with Celta, but they have yet to table a formal bid for the Norwegian international.
Strand Larsen reportedly has a release clause worth in excess of €50m (£43m) in his contract but he is expected to be sold for a fee below that figure.
It is believed that Celta will accept an offer in the region of €30m (£25m), with West Ham seemingly the likeliest team to make a proposal at the moment.
What do West Ham fans need to know about Strand Larsen?
The striker came through the youth ranks at Sarpsborg and he did get a big break early on in his career, having spent a year out on loan at AC Milan.
However, Strand Larsen returned to Norway before making a permanent switch to Dutch side FC Groningen in September 2020. During his two years in the Netherlands, the forward scored 27 goals in 71 appearances. It led to Celta splashing out €12m on the player just before the 2022 summer transfer window closed.
His first year in Spain was tough going. He started 21 games and made 34 appearances in total, but he only found the back of the net 5 times. Last campaign, there was a big improvement in his goal output, having scored 13 goals in all competitions.
Strand Larsen is not the only striker on the club’s shortlist
The Irons have been linked with plenty of no.9s over the past couple of months. Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy, Roma’s Tammy Abraham and Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri are all said to be targets.
Based on the other names mentioned, it does seem unlikely that Strand Larsen will feature high on the list of forwards that technical director Tim Steidten is looking at.
