DAVID MOYES admits West Ham’s interest in Tammy Abraham will be blown out of the water if Chelsea demand £45million for the striker.
Abraham’s future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt after being overlooked by Thomas Tuchel.
But the Blues are understood to want the hefty fee for the 23-year-old England star, a valuation that is way out of Moyes’ price range — even if he delivers Champions League football.
The West Ham boss said: “It would rule us out. So if that’s the figure and that’s what’s being said, we are out.
“We don’t have that to buy a striker. No.”
Abraham was a regular under Frank Lampard until the Chelsea legend was replaced by German Tuchel in January.
Since then, the England international has made only six appearances, but did miss seven games with an ankle injury.
With the likes of Timo Werner, 25 and Kai Havertz, 21, preferred centrally, Abraham is at risk of leaving Stamford Bridge.
West Ham would be joined by Newcastle and Aston Villa for the forward, who is also fighting for a space in England’s Euros squad this summer.
Moyes has already had talks with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan over a summer transfer budget — with Abraham’s asking price roughly the total amount he will have to spend.
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Making Jesse Lingard’s loan from Manchester United permanent is a priority, along with a desperately needed striker.
Moyes added: “From conversations with the owner, I’ve an idea of what sort of cash will be available.
“Whether it was finishing tenth, fourth or whatever, it didn’t change at all. There is probably a lack of money in the game.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
