West Ham have posted a message from Edson Alvarez as speculation over a potential move to Manchester United swirls.
West Ham were rocked this week when reports emerged claiming Edson Alvarez is a target for Man United.
Fabrizio Romano claimed Manchester United want the 26-year-old West Ham star as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
Alvarez quickly cemented himself as a fan favourite and fundamental player for West Ham last season after joining from Ajax for around £34m.
The Man United rumours are given extra credence by the fact Erik ten Hag used to be Alavarez’s manager at Ajax.
It has been reported by the likes of Caught Offside that the Mexican midfielder wants to leave West Ham after the club failed to secure European football.
After Bayern, Hammers star Alvarez linked with Man United
Although they only finished one place above the Hammers, Manchester United did actually manage that when they won the FA Cup to land a spot in the Europa League.
When confronted with the rumours he could leave West Ham for Old Trafford in a press conference yesterday, Alvarez was coy and did not play down the speculation.
“I can only tell you that I’m focused on what I have to do,” the Hammers star said, as reported by ESPN.
“I know that the Copa America is a very important tournament where the eyes of the world are basically here.
“Later there will be time to see what there is or what there isn’t.”
Alvarez lost his place at West Ham under David Moyes at the end of last season and did not post a farewell message to the departing manager despite being active on social media.
He did have a message posted on his behalf to the fans, though.
West Ham have posted a message from Alvarez as the Man United speculation swirls.
West Ham post Alvarez message as Man United speculation swirls
The Hammers seemed to rather deliberately post the video after his press conference comments yesterday.
But the last line might suggest he is expecting to be back at West Ham next season rather than Man United.
“Hello all, Edson Alvarez here,” he said.
“I’m really excited to play in the Copa America, we’re hoping for all your support. Thanks a lot and see you soon.”
Since posting the message, Alvarez captained Mexico in their opening game against Michail Antonio’s Jamaica.
But disaster struck when the alleged Manchester United target went off in tears with a hamstring injury.
A hamstring injury for a player like Alvarez, who does not have to rely on his pace over long distances in central midfield, would not put a club off signing a player.
So it is wrong to suggest the injury might work in West Ham’s favour.
Depending on the grade of the injury, though, it could keep Alvarez out of West Ham’s first pre-season under new head coach Julen Lopetegui.
It will almost certainly spell the end of his Copa America, though.
Alvarez suffers hamstring injury blow at Copa America
Back in October, Alvarez stated he is ‘always open’ to a move after links to Bayern. And he went on to say: “I want to play and show the people my best qualities. But in the summer, you never know what‘s going on.”
But earlier this month Hammers News reported that Alvarez appeared to drop a big hint he is staying at the London Stadium next term.
Alvarez made 31 Premier League appearance for the Hammers in his debut season, 28 of them starts.
He averaged 2.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2.3 clearances and 38.5 passes per game with a completion rate of 86.1% (Who Scored).
But he also struggled to get through 90 minutes of intense English football, visibly tiring in many matches – something Moyes said he must adjust to.
Alvarez also picked up 20 yellow cards in 37 appearances for West Ham in all competitions – more than one every other game.