West Ham United are attempting to crank up their preparations for the forthcoming Championship campaign by making a move for Sevilla star Ruben Vargas.
According to Spanish media outlet OB, the 27-year-old has emerged as a key summer transfer target for the Hammers as they seek attacking reinforcements to help steer the club back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.
With Crysencio Summerville expected to imminently join Mateus Fernandez through the London Stadium exit door, West Ham are working to replace the in-demand winger, with Vargas understood to be at the top of their wish list.
The fleet-footed wideman has impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup this summer, playing a key role in their progression through to the last 16 where they are scheduled to face Colombia on Tuesday evening.
He has already notched two goals, against co-hosts Canada and Bosnia-Hezegovina, as well as providing an assist, further inflating his price tag as clubs around the continent ponder a potential move.
It's believed La Liga side Sevilla would be open to his departure, although it's expected they will demand a fee in excess of £20 million to sanction a move.
Despite relegation from the Premier League, and now being forced to cut their cloth accordingly, the Hammers have money to spend before the window slams shut in early September, especially following Fernandes £85 million switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
And with Summerville surely set to seal a move back to the top-flight of his own for a substantial sum, it's being widely-reported that Nuno Espirito Santo will be given funds of his own to bolster his squad.
The Portuguese has dipped his toes into the market, securing the signature of highly-regarded Colombian forward Keiber Lamadrid for a minimal fee, and it appears he is now making more serious moves to add fresh goalscoring power to the team in the coming weeks.
Vargas, who has 13 goals to his name from 65 international appearances for his country, has scored five times for Sevilla since joining from Bundesliga club FC Augsburg two years ago, and would represent a significant coup for the Championship promotion hopefuls.
