West Ham in Advanced Talks to Sign Leeds Striker Joel Piroe
West Ham United are in advanced negotiations with Leeds United to sign striker Joel Piroe, with a deal for a season-long loan including an obligation to buy understood to be close. The move comes as the Hammers, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, seek to strengthen their forward line for a promotion push back to the Premier League following their relegation last season.
According to multiple reports, discussions between the two Championship clubs have intensified in recent days after alternative targets, including AZ Alkmaar's Troy Parrott, stalled. West Ham reportedly first made contact with Leeds earlier this week and are now exploring a structured deal. The proposed loan arrangement, which would see the Hammers take on Piroe's wages in full, is designed to provide financial flexibility for further signings this summer.
The 27-year-old Suriname international has found his opportunities severely limited at Elland Road. After being a pivotal figure in Leeds' promotion from the Championship two seasons ago, scoring 19 goals, Piroe made just over four hours of Premier League appearances last term, failing to score a single goal. He was not used in recent pre-season friendlies, and...