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PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi has reportedly rejected the chance to join West Ham United despite late interest from the London club, as Fulham continue to push to secure his signature before the transfer deadline.
The United States international is said to be prioritising a move to Craven Cottage, with reports suggesting Fulham are preparing a fresh bid ahead of Monday’s cutoff in an attempt to finally strike an agreement with PSV.
Marco Silva’s side have already had two offers knocked back by the Eredivisie leaders, who are standing firm on a €35m (£30.4m) valuation for the 23-year-old striker.
Fulham’s most recent proposal is understood to have fallen just short of that figure, with the overall package worth around £29.5m.
Pepi Rejects West Ham Interest
According to The Sun, West Ham made a late approach for Pepi as they looked to bolster their attacking options, but the move was turned down, with the forward favouring Fulham over a switch to the London Stadium before the February 2 deadline.
Pepi is also believed to have declined an offer from a leading Bundesliga side, underlining his preference for a Premier League move to Fulham.
Despite the growing interest, PSV are hopeful the striker will remain in the Netherlands at least until the end of the current campaign.
The Dutch club are not actively seeking to sell Pepi and are thought to be reluctant to sanction his departure unless a suitable replacement is identified and secured first.
Described as “incredibly prolific”, Pepi has been sidelined for PSV’s last five matches due to a fractured forearm and is expected to remain unavailable for approximately another three weeks.
Fulham are yet to complete a January signing, although they are believed to have an agreement in principle lined up to bring in Manchester City youngster Oscar Bobb.
Earlier this week, Fulham sold winger Adama Traore to West Ham, with the experienced wide man reuniting with manager Nuno Espirito Santo following his move to the London Stadium.
West Ham’s January Activity
In addition to Traore’s arrival, West Ham have already added attacking reinforcements this month, completing deals for Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, as well as securing winger Keiber Lamadrid on loan.
Several players have also departed, with Lucas Paqueta, Luis Guilherme and Andy Irving sold permanently.
Meanwhile, Niclas Fullkrug, James Ward-Prowse and Callum Marshall have all left on loan.
