There was late night relief for West Ham in the transfer battle with rivals Spurs and Italian giants Roma for Brian Brobbey.
West Ham had looked set to sign Ajax striker Brian Brobbey unopposed.
The move looked set to bring an end to West Ham’s desperate search for a new forward and first signing for Graham Potter.
But then rivals Tottenham Hotspur entered the equation.
As West Ham dithered over a deal with Ajax demanding an obligation to buy or permanent deal, Tottenham swooped yesterday.
Ange Postecoglou warned Daniel Levy Spurs were taking a huge gamble not signing anyone after a six-week lay-off for Dominic Solanke was confirmed.
But the Australian insisted Tottenham were actively looking to bring in a forward.
At the same time it was reported Spurs were trying to hijack West Ham’s move for 22-year-old striker Brobbey.
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The prospect of missing out to Tottenham angered Hammers fans.
Then word emerged from Italy that Roma were also threatening their hopes of landing the powerful and pacy striker.
West Ham relief after Spurs pull out of Brobbey battle
But there’s West Ham relief after Spurs pull out of the Brobbey battle and Roma admit defeat as the star jets in.
Late last night Fabrizio Romano confirmed Tottenham Hotspur have given up on competing with the Hammers for the Dutchman.
Romano said Tottenham are not expected to proceed with any bid or formal contact for Brobbey after asking for deal conditions.
The transfer reporter than confirmed West Ham remain in contact and are keen on getting it done with Ajax demanding the inclusion of an obligation to buy clause.
Reports in Italy then emerged claiming Roma were rivalling West Ham for Brobbey and had also held initial talks with Ajax.
Interest from the Italians was shortlived, though.
Because Dutch journalist Mike Verweij has revealed Brobbey flew to London last night ahead of an expected move to the London Stadium.
Telegraf journalist Verweij says Brobbey was spotted in London yesterday evening after the striker boarded the plane at Schiphol at 6.50pm.
Verweij said it was unknown which club Brobbey was meeting and whether the trip was to arrange a transfer as his agent declined to comment.
But Hammers News understands terms have already been agreed with the striker with only the details of the deal with Ajax remaining to be sorted.
Roma admit defeat as star jets to London for Hammers talks
The expectation is that will be done and Brobbey will then be able to have a medical while in London.
Brobbey ruled out Roma as he is keen to move to the Premier League.
But in an update yesterday, Verweij warned West Ham that they needed to hurry up getting a deal done.
Because Ajax want money to reinvest in the team. So any offers of a permanent deal from rival clubs would be a more attractive option for them.
Some West Ham fans have been divided over the move for Brobbey.
That is based on his record so far this season in which he has four goals and six assists compared to 28 goals and assists last term.
What is key here, though, is that Brobbey possesses the ket attributes West Ham are missing up front.
Most important, though, is Potter’s view.
The Hammers have been deliberating over a host of striker targets since Potter’s arrival earlier this month.
West Ham’s owners confirmed Potter had not been keen on many of the options presented to him thus far.
But Brobbey is the striker the new manager wants. And that should be all that matters.