Benfica forward Raul Jimenez open to Premier League move

Raul Jimenez has refused to rule out leaving Benfica for a switch to the Premier League, amid suggestions that he is wanted by West Ham United and Liverpool.

The Mexico international has emerged as a rumoured target for the top-flight rivals, despite netting just 23 goals in 77 appearances for the Eagles since joining for nearly £19m two years ago.

Jimenez, who was close to joining West Ham in 2015 prior to his big-money Benfica move, insists that he is unaware of any interest and is only currently focused on returning to his current club in peak fitness after a fortnight at the Confederations Cup.

"The Premier League is a great championship, but you have to wait," he told ESPN. "I don't close any doors and we'll see what happens. I'm still at Benfica. Now, I'm going to have a good vacation then go back to work with everything.

"I saw the news came out but I don't know anything. I was concentrating on the national team. I have a date to return to Benfica, to join the pre-season games and I'm in the club's hands."

Jimenez spent one season with Atletico Madrid upon moving to Europe from Club America, scoring one goal in 24 league appearances.