West Ham Face Competition From Valencia For Southampton's Wantaway Striker – Report

Spanish side Valencia have reportedly joined the race to sign Southampton's record signing Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, who has been heavily linked with West Ham in the last week.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are desperately trying to offload the striker during this transfer window after they suspended him for two weeks following a fight with team-mate Jose Fonte at the club's Staplewood training ground last week.

Despite having already signed Italian striker Marco Borriello, recent reports claimed that Sam Allardyce is also interested in adding Osvaldo to his squad and Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo report that the Hammers could beat Valencia in securing the Argentinian's services.

Osvaldo excelled during his two seasons at Espanyol in La Liga under Pochettino and Valencia believe that despite his recent behavioural issues at Southampton he can be the solution to their lack of goals and will seek to sign the striker on loan until the end of the season.

Southampton signed the Argentinian from Roma last summer for a record fee of £15m but he has struggled to make the impact that was expected, scoring just three goals in 13 Premier League appearances.

Earlier this month the 28-year-old player was also banned for three games and fined with £40,000 by the Football Association following an incident with Newcastle goalkeeper coach Andy Woodman.

During his time in Italy prior to his move to England, Osvaldo was also suspended for punching current Tottenham forward Erik Lamela, who was his own teammate at Roma at the time.

Nevertheless, Osvaldo still holds a high profile in Europe and reports in Italy claimed that Inter Milan and Juventus are also considering making a late move for him during the January window.