So like buses, I wait for three of our sites’ ITKs to submit articles and then two come at once. Both sources that wrote today are superb. “If I owned West Ham” is an extremely well placed agent/media person with strong links in the club and the Mahindra (Olympic Insider) works for the club in a certain capacity. I am still waiting for the “Informer” to update us again. It is great to have so many well placed people writing for the site. Both of today’s were given opposite news on Lacazette and whether he would join which is very interesting and shows the delicate situation of the deal. This is the first rumour I will clear up.
Rumour one: Have we bid again for Lacazette? I thought another bid would go in today but it appears that it hasn’t. The club had “further discussions” with Lyon and are growing increasingly frustrated with the French club. Every time it looks like we are progressing with the deal Lyon move the goal posts. There has to be a point where we draw a line and say take it or leave it and that appears to be the position at the moment. I don’t think the deal is over and I agree with the “Insider” that we will try again but at this moment it appears to be grinding to a halt. We also have to convince the player to join too once we agree a price. So there are many hurdles to get over at this point still.
Rumour two: Jordan Ibe is joining the club from Liverpool as he has been pictured in a West Ham shirt: This is not true. Jack Sullivan confirmed this and the club have no knowledge of a bid. Those of you who have bought The West Ham Way fanzine will find out some details of a surprise target but I can confirm it isn’t Ibe. The story behind him being in a West Ham shirt looks like he lost a dare to Reece Oxford and had to wear a West Ham shirt as a consequence.
Rumour three: Are we trying to loan Tore and buy Hutchinson? “If I owned West Ham” called this in his article where he said the club are getting concerned about the value for money that they are getting for these two players. Tore is Bilic’s number one target and DS will always try to honour Bilic’s requests; they are, however, concerned at the pricing of Tore and a loan offer was suggested. It was more in hope than expectation but the club are exploring options to bring down the set transfer fee of Tore. They are also concerned that they may be charged over the odds for Hutchinson and have had a bid rejected for him. Expect these deals to have some movement soon.
Rumour four: Payet wants to join Madrid: I exclusively brought to your attention the interest of Madrid in my column over two weeks ago. It has to be said that Payet idolised Zidane when he was younger and that this would obviously be a major attraction (as if you need persuading to be interested in Real Madrid). Payet has also said this week he is happy at the club and at the moment he is concentrating on the Euros. The chairmen are determined to keep hold of him no matter the price.
Rumour five: Various players to depart: As I have been saying in my columns for a long while now the club will listen to offers for a number of fringe players. Tomkins is considered one of those. There is a strong chance that he will be moving on very soon and bringing to an end a great career at the club. Obiang is another who may well move. He was unhappy at his game time last season. Sakho and Valencia also have interest in them and should leave.
Rumour six: Is the Mahindra deal finalised? No it is not. It is likely to be a deal but it is not confirmed as yet.
Rumour seven: Janssen is a target? I have reported this name myself and “If I owned West Ham” is very well placed on transfers. If he says we are interested then we must be. He has been highly linked to Spurs but as yet a deal with them has not been finalised.
Rumour eight: Do we want a right back? Early on in the window I said that we have priorities in other positions and that remains the case.
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