West Ham target Bakambu refuses to force move

West Ham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of striker Cedric Bakambu, with the Villarreal hitman adamant he is not looking to leave the Spanish club.

The Hammers reportedly bid £22m for the 26-year-old, but the La Liga side are holding out for a bigger fee.

West Ham are chasing striker this summer after a disappointing first campaign in their new London Stadium, with the likes of Olivier Giroud, Michy Batshuayi, Anthony Modeste and Javier Hernandez all linked.

Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images

Bakambu admits he is a fan of the Premier League but his comments suggest West Ham might want to look elsewhere.

“I don’t live from day to day. I like to know where I’m going. I like to travel and the Premier League is a league I like, that’s true,” he said.

“But nothing happens with just a click of the fingers.

“I know already I won’t finish the season with the same stats as last year.

“Also, I’m not in a hurry to leave Villarreal. I signed a five-year contract and I’m really enjoying myself.

“Like at Bursaspor, I’m in a team that’s not very physical but that plays a lot of football.”