According to reports in the Daily Mail, West Ham United could face competition from La Liga giants Real Madrid in the race to sign Krasnodar and Russia striker Fyodor Smolov.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Daily Mail says that Real have been impressed with the 27-year-old performances for club and country in recent weeks, and they are considering adding the centre-forward to their squad following a disappointing start to the campaign.
The Daily Mail reported last month that West Ham were ready to launch a £15m bid for the Russia captain during the January transfer window, but the news of the interest from the La Liga giants could dent their hopes of bringing the striker to the London Stadium in the New Year.
The latest report adds that even though he is set to skipper his country at his nation’s home World Cup next summer, he is still willing to leave Krasnodar midway through the current campaign.
How good has Smolov been this season?
He has been excellent, and it is no surprise that he is attracting admiring glances from a number of clubs.
The 27-year-old scored a brace in Russia’s 3-3 friendly draw with Spain last month, while he has also hit form for his club with five goals in his last six appearances.
In total, he has 13 goals in 15 outings in all competitions this term.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
He certainly would be.
With 13 goals in 15 Premier League matches this season the Irons are struggling for goals, and there are continued fitness doubts over the likes of Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho, with the Daily Mail reporting that David Moyes could be set to lose the latter in January anyway.
Standing at 6ft 2in tall and being relatively strong, Smolov looks to have the physical traits to be a success in the English top flight, but WhoScored.com also lists dribbling as one of his major strengths, too.
Could they really beat Real Madrid to his signature?
It would depend on the player.
There is no doubt that the 27-year-old would get more first-team football at the London Stadium than he would with Real, but the draw of joining the La Liga giants could be too good to turn down – especially if his captain status guarantees that he will play every game for Russia at next summer’s World Cup.