WEST HAM are stepping up the pursuit for their Declan Rice replacement – Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
The Hammers have approached the Dutch giants over the Mexican international, who is valued between £35m and £40m.
A formal bid is expected to follow once Rice’s drawn-out £105m switch to Arsenal is finally completed – seemingly this weekend.
SunSport previously reported that West Ham chiefs were angry with the Gunners’ constant delays around signing the England international and East London skipper.
The record-breaking £100m offer plus £5m worth of add-ons was accepted on July 4, but Arsenal lawyers are only just ready to approve the paperwork and have West Ham sign.