West Ham United‘s transfer business may well accelerate in the final weeks of the window, and they are keeping eyes on a player who Championship rivals Burnley and Wolves are eager to sign.
Following relegation from the top flight last season, the Irons have been forced into a few significant sales and so far, Joel Veltman was West Ham’s only senior addition, arriving on a free transfer to bring experience and versatility to the defence.
That situation is about to change, though. The Hammers have reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for Manor Solomon, with the winger set to move across London for £5m plus £2m in potential add-ons. Solomon will provide another creative option from wide areas to replace the departed Crysencio Summerville, but West Ham’s recruitment team are also looking elsewhere.
A new centre-forward remains on the agenda, with links to Troy Parrott following the Republic of Ireland international’s prolific spell with AZ Alkmaar. Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor has also emerged as an option for the Hammers, although the Haiti international has Premier League suitors as well.
While another striker would address an obvious need, the club are also considering strengthening their midfield too, with links to Celtic star Arne Engels.
|
Player |
Role |
Age |
West Ham midfielders – what they offer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Soungoutou Magassa |
Defensive midfield |
22 |
A young, physical ball-winner who can protect the defence and also cover at centre-back. |
|
Edson Alvarez |
Defensive midfield |
28 |
Established holding midfielder available, bringing aggression, tackling and top-level experience. |
|
Tomáš Souček |
Defensive midfield |
31 |
Provides physicality and a major aerial threat, particularly with his ability to arrive late inside the penalty area. |
|
Mohamadou Kante |
Defensive midfield |
20 |
A young defensive option who provides depth but remains relatively inexperienced at senior level. |
|
James Ward-Prowse |
Central midfield |
31 |
Gives West Ham passing quality, experience and an obvious threat from set-pieces. |
|
George Earthy |
Attacking midfield |
21 |
A technically gifted academy graduate who provides a more attack-minded and creative midfield option. |
Personal terms are already in place with Engels, but West Ham are yet to strike a deal with the Scottish champions, leading to the club looking at alternative targets.
West Ham linked with Jordan James move
One of those, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon, relayed by Football League World, is Rennes midfielder Jordan James.
The Wales international is valued at around £10m, potentially making him a cheaper option to Engels.
West Ham aren’t alone, however, with promotion rivals Middlesbrough, Burnley and Wolves all understood to be interested in the midfielder, meaning the Hammers could face a considerable battle for his signature, should they firm up their interest.
The top Championship interest in James isn’t surprising given his form on loan at Leicester City last season. Despite the Foxes enduring a disastrous campaign that ended in relegation to League One, he emerged as one of their few major positives.
James finished the Championship campaign with 11 goals and four assists from 34 appearances, performances which saw him awarded the Championship Young Player of the Season award.
James could give West Ham something slightly different in the middle of the pitch, an open play goalscoring option. Rather than relying exclusively on long-range efforts, James has developed a knack for timing runs into dangerous areas and joining attacks from midfield.
After emerging at Birmingham City, James’ two-year spell with Rennes could soon be over with a return to the second tier. He could be West Ham’s alternative option to Engels, and if he is, they may need to make a decision on whether or not to firm up their interest with an offer, due to the trio of rivals looking to make him a statement signing.
