A club owner has admitted that he’s essentially powerless to stop West Ham United signing his star player this summer.
West Ham thought they had completed their first signing of the summer window last week.
The Hammers agreed a deal with Flamengo for centre-back Fabricio Bruno for around £12.5m.
But the move collapsed with the real reason nothing to do with money as was being speculated.
Some West Ham fans were not too disheartened as they had been questioning the wisdom of the deal.
There were concerns that Bruno may struggle to adapt having never played outside of Brazil.
And some also had reservations about the fact he turns 29 next season.
Before Julen Lopetegui was officially unveiled by West Ham, reports in the press had linked with Hammers with a number of British players from the Championship and Premier League.
The Guardian reported that West Ham wanted to sign Championship duo Jacob Greaves and Callum O’Hare.
Hammers making a case for the defence
West Ham’s interest in signing Greaves, the 23-year-old Hull centre-back, had ‘moved in the right direction’ according to journalist Jacob Steinberg.
Things had gone quiet on that front since, though, with West Ham’s move for Bruno becoming very public.
Since that collapse, new focus is on the club’s interest in the ball-carrying centre half who has been likened to former Hammer Rio Ferdinand and reported West Ham target Max Kilman.
The prospect of a move for Greaves has also been very much welcomed by Hammers fans on social media and forums.
Particularly with the club under pressure to sign players who meet the Premier League’s homegrown quota.
Now there’s some very good news on the Hammers’ chances of luring Greaves from Hull.
Owner admits he’s powerless to stop West Ham signing Greaves
Because their owner admits he’s powerless to stop West Ham signing his star player.
Acun Ilicali has responded to the speculation swirling around Greaves.
And it’s seriously good news for the Hammers as he concedes he cannot stand in the defender’s way because he wants to play in the Premier League.
“Greaves wants to play in the Premier League and he’s such a nice boy,” Ilicali told The Yorkshire Post.
“I love him as a character, he’s a real captain and I told him, ‘Greaves we need you, you are so good, please stay with us.’
“But if his brain and soul is completely with another club, we will not stop him.”
The Hull owner went on to admit he has his hands tied behind his back over investment in the team which may also dictate selling Greaves.
Hull star fits West Ham’s ideal profile
Greaves is exactly the profile of player West Ham should be targeting.
He is fantastic in the air, no slouch on the deck and can dribble with the ball out of defence.
He has an excellent left-foot and looks the perfect replacement for outgoing Nayef Aguerd at West Ham.
Greaves is often spotted making rampaging runs forward – much like Kilman does and Ferdinand used to do in his prime.
It’s easy to see why Tim Steidten and Lopetegui are focusing on the West Ham defence as a priority.
West Ham shipped a record 74 Premier League goals last season.
They also lack leaders – as well as the aforementioned required quota of homegrown players.
In light of Ilicali’s admission it begs the big question – what are West Ham waiting for?
You can check out Greaves in action below.