Hammers evaluating two midfield options to bolster squad
West Ham are weighing up bids for Loftus-Cheek and Joao Mario. The Hammers are interested, but are not willing to pay over the odds for the two midfielders.
With the world cup just round the corner clubs are trying to get deals in place beforehand. Anything not completed before the tournament will have to wait until the player in question is away from Russia, because international managers will not appreciate the interference. So it’s fairly promising that West Ham seem to be on the move transfer wise.
The central midfield region was an area of concern last season, and Pellegrini is looking to correct that. Joao Mario played well in his time at the club, and was likely to be a target this summer. The big sticking point, however, is the price.
Joao Mario
His current club Inter, are keen to move the Portuguese player on, but are also aware of their finances. Having paid north of 30m for him a couple of seasons ago they don’t want to make too much of a loss. The Hammers don’t seem to be willing to pay the 25m the Italian club are asking.
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If Inter can be pursuaded to let him go on a loan deal it is likely the Hammers will get him. Having shown he fitted in well and that he enjoyed the club there wouldn’t be too much opposition from the player either. But until a loan deal/cheaper deal can be agreed there will be no movement on this transfer.
I would like to see Mario back at the club, because he offers a lot. He is versatile and good on the ball, aiding our sometimes too direct attempts to get the ball forward. He is the kind of player we need to start filling our squad with.
Loftus-Cheek
Having spent last season on loan with Palace, Loftus-Cheek may have expected to be heading south of the river this window. However it has been reported by numerous sources and confirmed by ExWhuEmployee that West Ham are seriously considering bringing the Chelsea and England midfielder to the club on a permanent basis. But again there are price issues.
Despite the fact Chelsea’s squad makes up a significant portion of London’s population, they are waiting to see what happens with the manager situation so they can assess the players. Given that he has played himself into the England squad he has potential. What Chelsea don’t want is to sell another player that they end up seeing becoming a Ballon d’Or candidate of 50m+ target of their rivals in the coming years.
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I want to see players like Loftus-Cheek at the club. He’s worked hard and shown a willingness to play a role the manager sets out for him. Pellegrini needs players that want to learn and play for him, and this would be a good move all round.