Lazio have rejected an approach from West Ham for Ecuadorian striker Felipe Caicedo
Surprise package Lazio have startled their Serie A competition, topping the table ahead of Maurizio Sarri's Juventus and Antonio Conte's Inter.
The Hammers are looking to bolster an attack that has failed to fire them to safety thus far, with the additions of strikers Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti yet to work out.
Calciomercato report that West Ham have reached out to Lazio with a strong bid for Caicedo, but the Italian side have no intention of selling him.
Caicedo is an interesting target for the Hammers as he hasn't been the standout player of this successful Lazio team. In his 21 appearances in Serie A, Caicedo has only completed a full 90 minutes once this season, with the majority of his appearances coming as a substitute.
West Ham's pursuit also seems perplexing as the 31-year-old is reaching the latter stages of his career and given the transfer fee Lazio could demand.
Caicedo has been prolific in his limited time this season, managing eight goals and four assists. He's certainly helped Lazio to their lofty position in Serie A and his performances in the second half of the season will be vital in determining whether they can win their first league title since 2000.
If the deal were to go through, it would be the Ecuadorian's second spell in England after spending three years at Manchester City from 2008 to 2011. Caicedo only really spent one full season in England and spent the majority of his contracted time at City on loan at clubs across Europe.
It remains to be seen if West Ham will continue to pursue the striker if Lazio appear disinterested in negotiating. Given yesterday's convincing win against Southampton, perhaps Haller's teething problems could be over.
Source : 90min