Hammers News - West Ham United FC

West Ham United will seemingly be very active indeed in the market on transfer deadline day, with a Tottenham midfielder said to be on our radar.

Transfer deadline day is finally upon us, and West Ham have one final shot as turning a 9/10 window into the perfect 10.

Julen Lopetegui has worked wonders at the London Stadium this summer, but the West Ham head coach needs to make at least one more top quality signing, if he is to guide us to success on all fronts this season.

The Hammers fans are buzzing with excitement about what the future holds for us, and Lopetegui has insisted that he’s after even more new signings.

However, the Spaniard will have to get rid of some of the fringe players first, before he can even think about making any new signings.

Hopefully he will be successful in doing that today, so he can strengthen his ranks with one or two top quality new arrivals.

It seems like Lopetegui has his eye on a very surprise target indeed…

West Ham eye transfer deadline day swoop for Tottenham ace

This really will put the cat amongst the pigeons, such is the rivalry between the two London clubs.

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Amazingly, the Hammers have made their interest known in a Tottenham player.

According to Daily Express journalist Charlie Gordon, West Ham have ‘asked about’ signing Spurs star Giovani Lo Celso.

However, Real Betis are said to be leading the race to sign the Tottenham midfielder.

The 28-year-old South American is a very talented footballer, but he has never lived up to what was expected of him with Spurs.

I can’t envisage a scenario where he ever succeeds in the Premier League actually, in spite of his undoubted quality.

He lacks the physicality required to be a hit in England as far as I’m concerned, but that’s not the only reason why I’d be hugely surprised to see us sign him.

Lo Celso to West Ham won’t happen

Firstly, West Ham and Tottenham rarely ever do business with one another.

In fact, the last person to make the switch between the two clubs was Scott Parker way back in 2011.

Secondly, it’s clear that Real Betis are leading the race for him, and the Argentina international is keen to move back to his former club.

Julen Lopetegui needs to bring a top-class central midfielder to West Ham on deadline day.

Carlos Soler is the man we should be going all out for – the PSG star has absolutely everything we currently lack in the middle of the park, what with his creativity, composure on the ball and terrific vision side the final third.

Lo Celso will not be coming to the London Stadium, I can almost guarantee you that.

Spurs and West Ham won’t believe what’s happened to a star they’ve missed out on to one of their Premier League rivals.

There looks to have been a sliding doors moment for West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur regarding a mutual target this summer.

Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui and the club’s technical director Tim Steidten have been busy overhauling West Ham’s squad this summer.

Meanwhile Ange Postecoglou has been fine-tuning his Tottenham side, signing West Ham target Dominic Solanke for £65m.

West Ham actually held talks with Solanke’s family over a summer move.

But he has ended up joining Spurs with West Ham signing Niclas Fullkrug instead.

The top spokesman inside West Ham recently told Hammers News that majority owner David Sullivan would have loved to sign Solanke this summer but couldn’t afford him.

Hammers and Spurs had mutual targets

The striker was not the only player wanted by both London rivals, though.

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Way back in May, it was claimed West Ham were battling Tottenham for Celtic’s London-born Danish midfielder Matt O’Riley.

The 23-year-old amassed 31 goals and assists for Celtic last season, scoring 15 and laying on 16.

And both the Irons and Spurs were said to have been encouraged by the player who felt ready to test himself in the Premier League for the first time.

Well he has indeed moved to the Premier League.

But O’Riley joined Brighton instead for around £25m as they beat West Ham and Tottenham to his signature.

Now the star Spurs and West Ham missed out on to their rivals has been injured just six minutes into his debut.

Spurs and West Ham won’t believe what’s happened to star they’ve missed out on

O’Riley was making his Brighton bow in the Carabao Cup against Crawley when disaster struck.

A horror tackle by Crawley’s Jay Williams left the former West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur target needing to be helped from the pitch by medics.

In his post-match press conference Seagulls boss Fabian Huerzeler confirmed it is a potentially serious injury.

The German said the new midfielder could not walk unaided as he cannot put any weight on his foot following the challenge, which you can see below.

Brighton are now waiting for swelling to reduce so they can send O’Riley for a scan to determine how long he will be out for.

“I think after this foul it was like the players could tackle like they want because he didn’t get a yellow card,” Huerzeler told The Argus.

“For me it is a clear red card. You can’t tackle like this but you can play hard and you can be ruthless.

“In the end I hope Matt is not so badly injured like it looks but we have to wait for a scan of his ankle.”

It’s never nice to see a player get injured. And it was an impact injury from a silly challenge so could have happened to anyone.

There is always that hope when a player who has been excelling in Scotland arrives in the English top flight that they may be the next Virgil van Dijk.

But West Ham and Tottenham fans who were looking to see whether O’Riley could cut it in the Premier League after missing out on the Dane will now have to wait a little longer.

Spurs know all about injury frustration when it comes to new signings after losing Solanke until mid-September.

There has been a major twist in a financier’s choice between West Ham and Spurs for a £0.5bn investment after a journalist’s update.

Money is the name of the game in modern day football.

And both West Ham and rivals Tottenham Hotspur have been actively looking for fresh investment.

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky became West Ham’s second biggest stakeholder by purchasing 27% of the Hammers for £150m almost three years ago.

Meanwhile Spurs have reportedly been targeted by PSG’s Qatari owners in the last year.

Over in east London, West Ham’s Gold family stake was attracting interest from the Middle East and US.

Earlier this summer The Sun’s Matt Hughes reported West Ham are one of six Premier League clubs using advisers Rothschild and Co to bring in fresh funds amid strict and restrictive new PSR rules.

West Ham and Spurs open to new investment

After selling her stake in Newcastle, Amanda Staveley is said to have raised £500 million for a fund that she wants to invest in another Premier League club.

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West Ham’s fierce rivals Tottenham were chief among her targets according to a report from Bloomberg last month.

But in the wake of news of a potential investment in Tottenham, a top board source claimed a Staveley-led fund could buy into West Ham instead.

Especially with the Gold family stake being open to offers.

Now there has been a major twist in the financier’s choice between West Ham and Spurs for a potential £0.5bn investment.

Major twist in financier’s choice for £0.5bn investment

That’s according to an exclusive from journalist Alan Nixon.

Writing on his Patreon, Sun reporter Nixon has bad news for West Ham.

Because he claims Staveley has now chosen to try and pump funds into Tottenham instead.

To rub salt in the wound for the Hammers, Staveley is said to have ‘serious money’ behind her from the Middle East.

“Staveley has ‘serious money’ behind her from the Middle East and private wealthy individuals who want a glamorous Premier League home…” Nixon reports.

“Staveley has put together a separate funding team and hopes to take an initial stake in Spurs before buying even more of the London club.

“Owner Joe Lewis may be open to selling at the age of 87. He lives abroad and has had his own business issues distracting him recently.

“There could be a deal to take 25 per cent of the club as they are open to investment coming in as the first stage of a new partnership.”

Spurs strike gold as West Ham shares go unsold

The Gold family’s 25% stake in West Ham has been up for sale since last October.

At the time, Vanessa Gold said she wants to sell to ‘the right partner’.

“I have spoken to each of the other three major shareholders at West Ham United, David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and Tripp Smith, who have been very supportive,” she said.

“Any transaction to purchase some of our shares will be with my father’s legacy at the forefront of my mind which, of course, prioritises his beloved West Ham United.

“I have appointed Rothschild and Co to advise us on any discussions and will keep the other shareholders, the club and our supporters updated on any significant developments.”

Leeds United have made a rather unfortunate gaffe over West Ham and Spurs stars but it’s hard not to take pity.

Leeds United are one of the biggest and proudest clubs in England.

But there’s no hiding the fact they are now lightyears behind the likes of West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur.

Failure to win promotion back to the Premier League last season has only widened the gap between Leeds and the West Ham and Tottenham’s of this world.

The Hammers and Spurs are clubs with whom Leeds United should be competing in the top flight.

But as Julen Lopetegui and Ange Postecoglou look to live up to pre-season predictions of challenging for the European spots, Leeds must somehow find their way out of the second tier shorn of some of their top talent.

Crysencio Summerville was not just the best player at Leeds last season, he was officially the best player in the Championship.

West Ham swooped to sign the brilliant Dutch attacker for £26m as part of their major summer rebuild.

West Ham and Spurs lure away top Leeds talent

Tottenham also looked to Leeds to fine tune their squad, paying £30m for the Yorkshire club’s new crown jewel Archie Gray.

Hammers fans are hugely excited by the capture of a player of Summerville’s talents.

Leeds supporters showed real class in giving him a warm send-off.

The Elland Road faithful pointed out the 22-year-old was a consummate professional after their relegation, never agitating to leave and doing his best to help get them back to where they feel they belong.

It was inevitable Summerville would have to be sold this summer if Leeds did not go up and West Ham got him for an excellent fee by modern standards.

Gray perhaps stings even more for Leeds being a homegrown, boyhood fan with strong family links to the club.

Tottenham have already seen just how good – and versatile – the multi-talented young star is.

Again, interest in Gray was inevitable as soon as Leeds failed to get back to the big time.

Throw in the fact Leeds have also now had to sell Georginio Rutter to Brighton and it has been a summer to forget so far.

So it is a shame Leeds did not think a touch more carefully about the future.

Leeds’ unfortunate gaffe over West Ham and Spurs stars

Because Leeds have made a rather unfortunate gaffe over West Ham and Spurs stars but it’s hard not to take pity.

A fan has shared a picture of the front of Leeds’ official 2024 calendar on social media.

It features Gray, now with Spurs, West Ham new boy Summerville and Brighton’s latest signing Rutter.

The fan remarked he can’t see Leeds’ 2024 calendar being a big seller.

From a Leeds perspective it’s a case of – if you don’t laugh you’ll cry.

It will clearly amuse West Ham and Tottenham fans – just as it would Leeds supporters if the shoe was on the other foot.

Of course it’s easy to mock Leeds for the “gaffe”. But the reality is the calendar will have been released in last December ahead of the new year and they were the club’s three top players at the time.

A bit of banter but it’s hard not to take pity

Leeds do not have a crystal ball and would have expected promotion last season.

Indeed had Elland Road chiefs not included the trio that would have become a story in itself.

Leeds would have been accused of a lack of ambition, belief and confidence in the manager and team.

Football is all about banter so this will no doubt raise a wry smile among West Ham and Spurs fans.

Both clubs have been there themselves, though, losing their top players to rivals and having to suffer as a result.

Just last summer Tottenham lost hero Harry Kane and West Ham sold homegrown captain Declan Rice to London rivals Arsenal.

It’s hard not to take pity given Leeds are such a massive club who are clearly suffering.

But perhaps Leeds might want to just stick with the club badge for the front cover of next year’s calendar.

Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui has dealt a killer blow to Newcastle and Spurs’ transfer hopes with a major a West Ham move.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur will be looking over their shoulders at West Ham.

The Hammers have had arguably the best summer transfer window in the Premier League so far.

Spurs and Newcastle have both made additions too.

But West Ham have revolutionised their squad with some brilliant signings to add to the quality already in the building like Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, Edson Alvarez, Alphonse Areola and Jarrod Bowen.

As a result West Ham will be confident of closing the gap on the Magpies and Tottenham.

And their Premier League rivals should be warned because word is West Ham are not done yet.

A top spokesman inside the club has confirmed to Hammers News that West Ham could sign as many as three more players. That’s if three current players deemed surplus to requirements can be moved on.

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Spurs and Newcastle try to destabilise West Ham

Both Tottenham and Newcastle have tried to destabilise West Ham this summer.

West Ham missed out on an £85m pay day when former Newcastle target Paqueta was officially charged by the FA over illegal betting accusations.

That money was said to be essential to West Ham’s summer transfer budget.

But the club’s transfer business has eclipsed rivals like Newcastle and Tottenham – with whom they will be aiming to compete for the European spots.

That has given rise to speculation one of West Ham’s prized assets could be sold this summer instead. Especially against the backdrop of strict PSR rules which have proved so restrictive for mega rich Newcastle.

Last month Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson claimed Newcastle United were confident of signing Bowen from West Ham this summer.

Lopetegui deals killer blow to Newcastle and Spurs’ hopes

Wilson reported that Bowen is Eddie Howe’s number one target for their right-attacking role.

The report claimed a big money move will be sent to West Ham by Newcastle’s Saudi owners ‘later in the transfer window’.

Wilson stated at the time: “There is a belief within the corridors of power at St James’ Park that a deal could be possible.”

West Ham issued an emphatic response to the Bowen to Newcastle talk.

Further doubt was cast over Newcastle’s hopes when Bowen bought a £3m Essex mansion near West Ham’s training ground last month.

That would not close the door on Spurs, though, who have also been heavily linked with Bowen this summer.

A spokesman was also forced to respond to claims West Ham’s top scorer Bowen could join Tottenham.

Now there has been a very significant development.

Julen Lopetegui has dealt a killer blow to Newcastle and Spurs’ transfer hopes with a major West Ham move.

Just as the top spokesman at West Ham has repeatedly told Hammers News in the face of the Newcastle and Tottenham links – Bowen is going nowhere.

Because Lopetegui has now officially named Bowen West Ham’s new club captain.

Captain Bowen reiterates he wants to retire at West Ham

The England man already stated he wants to retire at West Ham when signing a new seven-year deal last season.

Now West Ham’s new head coach has put paid to any chance of Bowen joining rivals Tottenham or the Newcastle United by making him skipper.

Bowen officially replaces outgoing Kurt Zouma.

The Hammers talisman says he is proud to be named captain and has also taken the opportunity to restate his intention to retire at West Ham.

“Since I’ve been here it’s just been an upward trajectory in what we’ve done on the pitch, what I’ve done off the pitch,” Bowen told the club’s website.

“To get to this moment is another statement of love I have for this club, along with when I signed my new deal last year.

“I said then that I want to stay here for the rest of my life and I haven’t come off that page. If I can go down as a legend here in years to come, that would be great.”

You can never say never in football. And every player has their price.

But it is now unequivocally clear – if it wasn’t already – Newcastle and Spurs can forget about Bowen and will have to look elsewhere.

If that doesn’t make this a 10/10 window for West Ham then nothing else will.

Tottenham Hotspur have signed striker Dominic Solanke for £65m and West Ham have made a major admission about the deal.

Tottenham completed the signing of striker Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth this weekend and it has not gone unnoticed at West Ham.

The likes of BBC Sport claim the move is a Spurs club record £65m deal, just under three times what West Ham paid for Niclas Fullkrug.

The Hammers are in the midst of a stunning transfer window, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka set to become the club’s eighth signing.

The fee Tottenham have spent on Solanke, though, has been making headlines – and raising eyebrows.

One of the key positions that needed to be addressed for West Ham and Tottenham this summer was up front.

Both the London rivals have now done that, with two contrasting profiles of player.

Hammers held talks with Solanke’s family

But heading into the window, Solanke was one of West Ham’s top targets.

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Back in March it was reported that West Ham had already held talks with Solanke’s family over a summer move to the London Stadium.

The Hammers were keen to show Solanke how serious they were about building their new-look team around him.

But in May we reported on Hammers News that Spurs had hijacked West Ham’s move for Solanke.

Solanke’s link-up play, pace, strength and all round game has blossomed at Bournemouth.

The Hammers had promised to more than double the soon-to-be 27-year-old’s wages to £115k per week.

It is Tottenham who have won this particular race, though.

Now West Ham have made a major admission about Spurs striker signing Solanke.

West Ham make major admission about Spurs striker signing

Speaking exclusively to Hammers News, the top spokesman inside the club confirmed West Ham dearly wanted the English striker.

But Tottenham simply blew them out of the water in a window where West Ham had to spread their budget across a major squad rebuild.

“We were interested,” the senior London Stadium contact told Hammers News.

“David Sullivan would have loved Solanke.

“We just don’t have £65m to spend on a single player.”

What will be interesting now is who proves the better value for money between £65m Solanke and £23m Fullkrug.

The Germany striker is a powerful and unerring finisher but – by his own admission – lacks pace.

Who got better value for money between Spurs and West Ham?

Solanke has a bit of everything but has spells where he can be erratic in his finishing.

Both strikers will be the number one starters for West Ham and Spurs so the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

Solanke will undoubtedly get many more chances playing in a better side than Bournemouth.

Fullkrug will be surrounded by quality at West Ham too, playing with Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.

The obvious factor in Tottenham’s favour is that Solanke is five years Fullkrug’s junior.

So if he is a big hit at Spurs, they have their striker for the next few years at least.

Whereas the Hammers might be lucky to get two or three good seasons out of Fullkrug.

Given the supremely high standard of West Ham’s recruitment, it says a lot about how good a capture Solanke is for Tottenham that they beat the Hammers to his signature.

Had Julen Lopetegui not needed to completely overhaul his squad then it may have been West Ham sitting here unveiling Solanke as their record signing.

Fans won’t have too long to wait to find out who has got the better deal.

Ivan Toney is a striker who is being chased by both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

It has been claimed that the Brentford hitman would prefer to move to North London rather than the East End.

West Ham could really do with signing Ivan Toney, that goes without saying, but he could be set to join Tottenham unfortunately.

At the start of the summer, the chief priority for both the Hammers and Spurs would have been to sign a proven centre-forward who has a track record of scoring goals.

Julen Lopetegui got there first with the signing of Niclas Fullkrug, and the Germany international has already promised the West Ham fans that he’s in the best shape of his career.

I think that the 31-year-old will prove to be a very good signing for the Hammers, and he should suit Lopetegui’s system perfectly.

However, I’d be a liar if I said I wouldn’t be a little bit envious if Tottenham got their hands on Toney this summer.

Now, a new update has been provided on Spurs’ interest in the England international, and it could be painful to read for the West Ham fans.

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Ivan Toney claim means Tottenham could could hurt West Ham

So the former Newcastle and Peterborough hitman seems to be all set to leave Brentford this summer.

He’ll be out of contract with the west London outfit next summer, so I have no doubts they’ll sell him at some point over the next three weeks.

Where will his next destination be though?

The striker’s options seem to have dwindled down to just two clubs – the Hammers and Spurs.

However, it seems like Tottenham are the club showing the most ambition to sign the target man striker.

According to talkSPORT transfer guru Alex Crook, Tottenham are showing a concrete interest in signing Ivan Toney this summer.

Now, if Spurs do end up bringig the 28-year-old striker to north London from Brentford, it will be a big statement of intent.

The Bees want around £50 million for Toney, according to The Daily Mail, and that is obviously a ballpark that West Ham are not prepared to play in.

Instead, the Hammers opted for Fullkrug – a £22.5 million signing from Borussia Dortmund.

Listen, I’m not doubting the German’s ability whatsoever, but it would be foolhardy to suggest that the 31-year-old is on the same level as Toney.

The Brentford ace is three years younger than Fullkrug as well.

The England international has bagged 72 goals and 23 assists in 141 games for the Bees, and he is one of the strongest strikers in world football aerially.

Ivan Toney is a lethal finisher, and has the ability to play at the very highest level of the game.

Sure, he has a questionable attitude, but all great players have an edge, and the 28-year-old’s skillset will make him a game-changing player for whichever club wins the race for his signature.

Tottenham signing Ivan Toney and West Ham bringing in Niclas Fullkrug would represent a huge gulf in class between the two clubs…as much as it pains me to admit that.

A top agent with knowledge of a deal which looked set to see a world star sign for Spurs has candidly suggested he is now more likely to join West Ham.

West Ham could get one over on bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur if an agent’s claims are to be believed.

The Hammers and Spurs have been linked with a number of mutual targets this summer.

Ivan Toney, Dominic Solanke and Matt O’Riley being three of them.

Another came somewhat out of the blue last week too as West Ham and Tottenham work to improve their squads ahead of the new season.

Italian superstar forward Federico Chiesa has been heavily linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur.

There were even claims two weeks ago that Juventus star Chiesa was on the verge of completing a deal to join Tottenham.

Gazzetta dello Sport then set a cat amongst the pigeons last week by claiming West Ham had also been in talks about potentially signing the Juventus star.

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Star looked set for Spurs but now more likely at West Ham

With rumours gathering pace that Tottenham were on the verge of clinching Chiesa, though, West Ham’s approach seemed futile.

The Juventus star can play anywhere along the front-line, possesses exceptional technical ability, is rapid and has a lethal shot on him.

So why do Juve want to sell? Ironically to raise funds to be able to beat West Ham to defender Jean-Clair Todibo and sign other targets.

Tottenham still very much looked the favourites, though, as West Ham completed the signings of Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug to add to Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.

But there’s been an intriguing twist.

Because an agent says the star who looked set for Spurs is now more likely to join rivals West Ham.

Agent questions Spurs claims after West Ham ‘request’

Bianconera News sat down for an interview with top FIFA agent David Lavelle.

The report states Lavelle’s excellent contacts with the management at Juve and in the Premier League meant he was perfectly placed to address the Chiesa situation involving Tottenham and West Ham.

Lavelle says the talk of Chiesa coming close to signing for Spurs were just ‘rumours’.

But he says West Ham made an actual request while going on to cast doubt on whether Tottenham would pay £35m for Chiesa.

Lavelle did caveat that revelation by saying it would be tough to convince Chiesa to join West Ham or Fulham, who also registered an interest.

“I haven’t heard anything about it (Chiesa joining Spurs), to be honest,” Lavelle said.

“I haven’t heard anything (official) about that rumour. This is news to me.

“He is a very, very good player. There is definitely a chance (he will move to the Premier League). I spoke to Cristiano (Giuntoli) and I think he could find a chance at a couple of Premier League clubs and I can say that we have some requests for a left winger from Fulham, who would be willing to pay, and from West Ham.

‘Tough to convince him’

“But it is tough. It will be very tough to convince him.

“I mean, who among the big clubs has £35 million in the Premier League to buy him? It will be tough to sell him. Tottenham could be an option for Chiesa, but they have quite a few players in that position. However, I doubt they will pay £35m.”

Chiesa can also play as a striker. And there has been talk the Hammers could sign another forward if Danny Ings and/or Michail Antonio depart.

But realistically the Italian’s best position is on the wing and West Ham are now well stocked in those areas with top quality, younger talent.

So it seems highly unlikely the Irons will be pushing this move. Even if fans would love the idea of West Ham getting one over on Tottenham.

It could be an interesting situation to watch towards the end of the window, though.

If Chiesa still hasn’t been sold then a loan with option or obligation could interest the Hammers or Tottenham as both look to challenge for Europe.

West Ham United could be dealt a major blow by Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

That’s because Spurs are thought to be eyeing up one of the Hammers’ key transfer targets.

Julen Lopetegui has already made a big difference to the playing squad at West Ham, having brought in six new signings this summer.

However, more work is needed if the Spaniard is to guide us back inside the top six in the Premier League table.

It could be argued that Lopetegui still needs to add another striker to his ranks at the London Stadium this summer.

Danny Ings and Michail Antonio cannot be relied upon, and it would surprise nobody if they left the club before the transfer window slams shut.

West Ham have actually been linked with a dream summer transfer for one of the best strikers on the continent.

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But now Tottenham could make our task of signing him next to impossible.

West Ham could be beaten to Jonathan David by Tottenham

According to a report from L’Equipe, Tottenham are lining up a move to sign West Ham target Jonathan David this summer.

The Hammers were said to be set to open talks to sign Jonathan David two weeks ago, with a potential £30 million deal on the cards.

Since then, Lopetegui has brought Niclas Fullkrug to the London Stadium, but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t still on the hunt for further centre-forward reinforcements.

And David would be an absolutely stunning addition for us. However, Tottenham’s interest in the Canada international will clearly damage our hopes of bringing him to the London Stadium.

The Canadian hitman bagged a really impressive 26 goals and nine assists in 47 games in all competitions for Lille last season.

He also has 28 goals in 54 international games for Canada to his name.

David has been described as an ‘unbelievable finisher’ by journalist Austin Ditlhobolo, and he’s spot on there.

The former Gent man possesses explosive pace and terrific movement. At 24, he’s at the ideal age to move to the Premier League from Ligue 1.

He’d take the Hammers to another level entirely, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.

However, Tottenham entering the race to sign Jonathan David is very bad news for West Ham.

A former Newcastle chief could buy into West Ham instead of Spurs after raising £500m, a board source has suggested.

The woman who effectively helped turn Newcastle United into the world’s richest club could invest her millions into West Ham next rather than bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

That’s the suggestion being made by a source close to West Ham’s board following reports linking Amanda Staveley to potential investment at Tottenham.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought an 80% stake in Newcastle in October 2021.

That was a month before Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky became West Ham’s second biggest stakeholder by purchasing 27% of the Hammers for £150m.

The other 20% of Newcastle was originally split between London-based property developers Reuben Brothers and Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi.

‘Ex Newcastle chief could buy into West Ham instead of Spurs’

After selling her stake in Newcastle, Staveley is said to have raised £500 million for a fund that will invest in another football team.

And West Ham’s fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur are among her potential targets, Bloomberg has reported again on Monday.

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But the ex Newcastle chief could buy into West Ham instead of Spurs after raising that £500m suggests a board source.

Sean Whetstone is a top tier Hammers source close to majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.

And he has suggested Staveley could ‘kick the tyres’ at West Ham given some – or all – of the Gold family’s 25% stake in the club has been up for sale since last October.

Board source: Staveley could eye Hammers after raising £500m

Whetstone makes it clear it is speculation at this stage.

But he says it would be a surprise if Staveley did not look to buy into West Ham. Especially as the former Newcastle chief’s potential for investing in Spurs is being played down with Daniel Levy around.

“It would be surprising if Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners don’t kick the tyres at West Ham at a possible investment,” Whetstone said.

“Staveley sold 5.7% of Newcastle United last week and is said to want a new project in football. According to Bloomberg, Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners have reportedly raised £500million to invest in football with a number of Premier League clubs being looked at.

“It is further claimed initial discussions have been held with Rothschild and Co about taking a minority stake in Spurs, but experts have quickly poured cold water on that claim saying it would be difficult to assert any real influence over Daniel Levy.

“Nine months ago, Vanessa Gold announced she was considering selling a proportion of his family’s 25% in West Ham with Rothschild and Co acting as advisors.

“Buying a minority stake in West Ham could help Staveley and her firm broker a much larger deal in the future from within to make a potential takeover bid at a later date. Just speculation at this stage but never say never!”

Gold family stake in West Ham still up for sale

The likes of The Times claimed West Ham’s Gold family stake was attracting interest from the Middle East and US.

Last month The Sun’s Matt Hughes reported West Ham are one of six Premier League clubs using advisers Rothschild and Co to bring in fresh funds in order to strengthen the squad without breaching PSR.

But West Ham refuted the claim in an exclusive response to Hammers News.

The club said there is no point because West Ham can’t use the money anyway.

“It’s not true that Karren (Brady) has enlisted Rothschild and Co to help find new investment for West Ham,” the top source at West Ham exclusively told Hammers News last month.

“Even if you get new investment, under the new rule of wages-to-turnover – and wages INCLUDES amortisation of transfers – you can’t use the money!”

Last month Hammers co-owner Kretinsky all but ruled out a future full takeover of West Ham.

The Staveley situation could certainly change the landscape, though, given the fund that has been put together and her track record with Newcastle.

Watch this space.

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