Tuesday, 31 August 2021

5pm Update: Hammers in busy deadline day shenanigans


It's almost 5pm and the excitement is building. Here's an update on Hammers-related transfer deadline day news...

Nico Vlasic: This deal looks all but done and seems like good business as at 23 years old and after two excellent seasons at CSKA Moscow, he looks ready to return to the Premiership. Both skillful and physical, he would suit the current Hammers squad where Moyes likes a bit of bite and energy. This deal looks 90% certain to go through as he is reportedly on his way to sign on the dotted line.


Nicolas Tagliafico: the Ajax left back has been a surprise latecomer to the possible 'in' list. The 28 year old has 33 caps for Argentina and would bring competition at left back. The reported fee of £12 million seems like a good deal but he is in South America at present and we suspect this one won't happen unless other signings falter.


Gaetan Laborde: Montpellier are clearly happy to let him go for circa £15 million but it is unclear whether West ham really see him as the solution to their back up striker issue. Although a 'proper' striker, he can play out wide and would seem to fit well to the Moyes rotating front line system. We rate this one at less than 50% likelihood of completion.


Jesse Lingard: the £15 million deal is apparently now stalling due to 'family reasons'Lingard  but tellingly kept apartment in East London over the Summer. Sunday's game at Wolves emphasised his position at Man Utd and with Ronaldo arriving may not even make the matchday squad as the season progresses. We reckon this will finally get over the line at the last moment!


Ruben Loftus Cheek - the energetic midfielder could reignite his career under Headmaster Moyes but the loan deal with Chelsea is rumoured to cost £10 million which seems excessive. There may be some last minute shuffling of figures as his opportunities in a packed Chelsea squad are slim. 


Conor Coventry to Peterborough game time but disappointing given his pre-season performances and need for player depth for the Europa League. Given the likely involvement of Rice and Soucek for their respective countries, and Mark Noble's slowing with age, letting Coventry go seems a poor decision


Could there be late exits for Yarmolenko, Lanzini or Randolph, all of whom look to have limited contributions to make in the coming season but have huge wages?

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