West Ham have been talking to the representatives of versatile England midfielder Angel Gomes but a deal is in jeopardy because of Spurs.
There has been a major development in the battle to sign Lille midfielder Angel Gomes.
It has put bitter rivals West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur on a collision course for the ex Man United ace.
Journalist Graeme Bailey revealed Graham Potter has asked West Ham’s owners to bring him Gomes.
The diminutive midfielder can sign a pre-contract agreement this month for a free transfer in the summer.
But Bailey claimed the Hammers were really pushing to give Potter what he wants.
Tottenham have been linked with 24-year-old Edmonton-born Gomes too.
However, word from agent sources in the last week has suggested West Ham looked set to win the race with Potter desperate to improve his slow, ageing, immobile midfield.
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There has even been talk the Hammers were close to agreeing a pre-contract deal to lock Gomes in ahead of officially joining on July 1st.
West Ham in talks with Gomes but Spurs put deal in danger
A significant issue has emerged which could end West Ham’s hopes of signing the Lille man, though.
West Ham are locked in talks with Gomes but Spurs have put the deal in danger.
Hammers News has had confirmation from a senior source inside West Ham that negotiations have been taking place with Gomes’ agents Gol International.
Talk that the Irons are close to pulling off what would be a major coup are jumping the gun, though.
Hammers News understands no deal is anywhere close as yet.
And the reason is because rivals Tottenham have now ramped up their own bid to bring Gomes back to London.
Tottenham had asked to be ‘kept in the loop’ over Gomes’ situation prior to the January transfer window opening.
Spurs have been deliberating making a move which might even see Gomes join them this month for a small fee rather than sign a pre-contract for the summer.
Gomes earns £11,000 per week at Lille.
So bettering his wages won’t be an issue for the Hammers or Tottenham.
However, Gomes is reportedly hoping to seal a mammoth wage of between £120k-150k per week given his status as a free agent and homegrown player.
That is within West Ham’s wage structure with Lucas Paqueta currently the club’s highest paid player on £150k per week.
Hammers News understands Spurs were informed West Ham were pushing hard to agree a deal.
And as a result Daniel Levy has made it clear to Gomes’ representatives that Tottenham are eager to sign him too.
“Talks are ongoing but nothing is close and there’s competition given his status,” a senior source told Hammers News.
“Tottenham are a big problem now.”
A player like Gomes ticks an awful lot of boxes for Potter. A midfielder who loves the ball, can hold and distribute it with ease and dictate the flow and tempo of a game.
Gomes made a big impact when he was brought into the England setup by Lee Carsley.
He is ready-made for a Potter team but West Ham certainly aren’t close to sealing a deal now Spurs have made their presence felt.
The only hope West Ham have is that Gomes realises Potter will build his team around him.
Whereas at Spurs, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray were signed in the summer with a view to being the club’s long-term central midfield pairing.
Tottenham are spoilt for choice there already with Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma all fighting for places too.
Game time will be guaranteed at West Ham, whereas Gomes faces being a squad player at Tottenham.
Much may come down to who is prepared to offer the better salary.
Any pre-contract agreement must be signed by February 3rd.