Claret and Hugh’s recent articles would seem to point to the likelihood growing of Josh Brownhill becoming a West Ham player in the very near future. With a rebuild on a budget required after last season’s dismal performances, so-called ‘free’ signings were always going to be a component part of this summer’s moulding of the squad into Potter’s team.
If a deal is concluded with Chelsea for the sale of Mohammed Kudus then the transfer budget increases and the real business of the summer can commence: Various sources seem to indicate that the negotiations are still ‘live’ and the two clubs continue to talk.
In the meantime the next cab off the rank – the next ‘free’ transfer under consideration – would seem to be Kyle Walker Peters who is out of contract at Southampton next month. Recent reports in the last couple of days put West Ham and Everton at loggerheads to sign the defender – both clubs have similar issues with defensive players going out of contract and in need of replacement: West Ham’s Vlad Coufal and Aaron Cresswell are both released, meaning another full back is 100% essential.
Along with Everton, reported interest in Walker-Peters from Fulham and Brighton represents a stern challenge: Likely it will simply be down to who offers the biggest sign-on package to attract the 28 year old full-back’s signature.
The Hammers have been tracking Walker – Peters since last summer when Southampton rejected an offer from West Ham – however that counts for nothing: ‘Free’ will be anything other than free as the defender looks for a multi-million signing on bonus to join any one of the Premier League clubs chasing his signature.
Without the silver-tongued Tim Stediten to be the ‘closer’, West Ham are likely to be at a disadvantage and will end up paying the player handsomely rather than his club to try and get a deal over the line. ‘Free’, unfortunately for West Ham, will be anything but ‘free’.