West Ham United are instantly looking to deal one of their promotion rivals a major blow, taking the lead in the race to sign one of Middlesbrough’s top stars.
West Ham battling to sign Championship star
It’s likely to be a difficult summer for all the wrong reasons at West Ham. Relegation to the Championship is set to result in a mass exodus, which could include both Mateus Fernandes and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Both players have been linked with Premier League returns, but it’s Fernandes who’s stealing the greatest headlines. The Portuguese midfielder has found himself on the radar of Manchester United, who have been told that they must pay a hefty £85m to land his signature. Just how long that asking price can hold up in the Championship remains to be seen, however.
Amid all the exit rumours, meanwhile, the Hammers have set their sights on reinforcements of their own. Those at the London Stadium are reportedly targeting Brazil international Leo Pereira and Swansea City goalscorer Zan Vipotnik.
The latter would particularly be a wise addition given his Championship prowess and that very much seems to be one of West Ham’s top transfer strategies this summer, as they also set their sights on a promotion rival.
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West Ham take pole position to sign defender
As reported by SportsBoom, West Ham are now in pole position to sign Dael Fry from Middlesbrough this summer, and ‘progress is being made toward an agreement’.
The Teesside club are urging their defender to sign a new deal, rather than leave as a free agent later this month, but it may not be enough after their playoff heartbreak.
Instead, it could be promotion rivals West Ham who swoop in to land a key part of their own Premier League pursuit. It would be a major blow for all involved at Boro, who suffered playoff heartache twice in a matter of weeks following the Southampton spy-gate.
In terms of quality, it’s clear to see why West Ham, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United have all got their eye on a free deal for Fry. Dubbed “outstanding” by Chris Wilder during his time at the club, the central defender has only improved ever since and undoubtedly has the quality to win promotion and impress in the top flight.
Whether that takes place at West Ham, Boro or another side remains to be seen, however.
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Fabrizio Romano confirms “important” Mateus Fernandes update out of West Ham
The Portuguese is a man in demand after their relegation.