West Ham's Lucas Perez close to permanent switch to Real Betis

Schalke were also interested but wanted loan deal with an option to buy in the summer

By Sky Sports News

Image: West Ham signed Lucas Perez from Arsenal for £4m in August 2018

West Ham are close to agreeing a permanent £3.5m deal for Lucas Perez to join Real Betis, Sky Sports News understands.

Bundesliga club Schalke were in talks to sign Perez, but that was on an initial loan deal with the option of making the deal permanent in the summer for £4.5m.

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Perez joined West Ham in August in a £4m deal from Arsenal but has only made 14 appearances in all competitions since, scoring five goals.

West Ham are also close to agreeing a deal with Celta Vigo that would see striker Maxi Gomez arrive in the summer, according to Sky sources.

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Image: Maxi Gomez is close to agreeing a move to West Ham - Sky sources

Marko Arnautovic signed a contract extension at the London Stadium this month but the Hammers are waiting to see results of a scan after he limped off on Tuesday night's defeat at Wolves with a suspected foot injury.

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