It looks like there will be two in and two out for West Ham soon as midfield stars make wishes clear on transfers.
At the weekend Hammers News reported that West Ham’s transfer activity was bursting back into life after a brief lull following the signing of Luis Guilherme.
It’s fair to say that was no understatement.
West Ham continue to be linked with a host of transfers both in and out.
With another seven signings being eyed by Tim Steidten and new Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui, that’s hardly surprising.
The positions West Ham want to strengthen includes back-up goalkeeper, two central defenders, a full-back, a left-sided attacker, a central midfielder and striker.
Hammers News spoke to the top spokesman inside West Ham this week regarding defensive target Max Kilman.
In an exciting update, the key source not only revealed that the club are indeed bidding for Kilman but that he is just one of a number of stars West Ham have offers in for.
Midfield stars make transfer wishes clear
Technical director Steidten is back in his home country Germany right now watching targets.
Two of those were particularly impressive as he watched on last night.
But there are four deals looking likely back here in east London.
It looks like two in and two out for West Ham soon as midfield stars make their wishes clear.
Earlier this week it was reported that Lopetegui has given the Hammers the go-ahead to sell midfielder Flynn Downes to Southampton.
But what does the boyhood Hammer want to do?
Well according to Give Me Sport, Downes has now given the green light for West Ham to sell him to Southampton, where he shone on loan last season.
In a slight twist, though, the deal is said to be worth £15m. That’s £3m more than previously reported.
It means vital funds are adding to West Ham’s pretty paltry £51.5m budget.
And West Ham could be about to spend it on a replacement.
Lopetegui was already keen to sign a central midfielder before the Downes decision. West Ham missed out on Aleix Garcia to Bayer Leverkusen and are said to be interested in France’s Youssof Fofana and Watford’s Canadian ace Ismael Kone.
It has been reported that West Ham have approached Watford about signing box-to-box midfielder Kone.
Two in and two out for West Ham soon?
Well there’s great news for West Ham regarding Kone it seems.
Because now it has been revealed that Kone is indeed keen on a move to the Premier League.
That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth. Although he does state Roma and Marseille are also interested.
“Watford midfielder Ismael Kone keen on move to club in one of Europe’s top Leagues,” Sheth said on X.
“West Ham, Roma and Marseille interested. Incoming Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi understood to be big admirer.
“Kone with Canada squad at Copa America.”
Hammers News understands West Ham are keen to try and get a quick deal done for Kone.
So the sale of Downes should certainly help grease the wheels as the Hammers know they will have the additional funds in place.
Sheth also had news of an imminent West Ham signing that’s been on the cards for over a month.
Foderingham and Johnson announcements imminent
Veteran goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has completed his medical after agreeing to join the Hammers as back-up to Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski.
Sheth says he will be unveiled in the next 24-48 hours.
“Keeper Wes Foderingham has completed his West Ham United medical ahead of finalising his free transfer,” Sheth said.
“Foderingham will sign a two-year contract. Formal announcement expected in next 24-48 hours. Foderingham will be free agent upon expiration of Sheffield United contract.”
Finally there has been confirmation over the future of homegrown Hammers defender Ben Johnson.
The utility squad player is available on a free transfer at the end of the month.
But West Ham have been trying to get Johnson to sign a new deal.
To no avail it seems.
Because The East Anglian Daily Times says it has confirmed that Ipswich are set to sign Johnson on a five-year deal.
If it is indeed two in, two out then West Ham will still require another six signings to have a full 25-man Premier League squad given the departures.