Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Newcastle United are poaching a key man from behind the scenes at West Ham.
It may feel like a long time ago with Newcastle and West Ham in very different places, but last summer one report summed up how many Hammers fans were feeling about the Magpies and manager Eddie Howe.
Newcastle were labelled ‘obsessive’ over West Ham’s recruitment plans when they were linked with an interest in a string of David Moyes’ targets.
Newcastle reportedly made an 11th hour bid to hijack West Ham’s £30m West Ham deal with Rennes for Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd last week.
On signing for the Hammers, Aguerd revealed he had been advised to choose the east Londoners by a Premier League hero.
West Ham were already busy trying to fight off Newcastle in order to get on loan goalkeeper Alphonse Areola signed up to a permanent deal.
The Hammers and Newcastle were also reportedly locked in transfer battles over Jesse Lingard, Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike. And Howe admitted he wanted to sign Lucas Paqueta but had to prioritise a striker signing in the summer.
Then of course came Newcastle’s January move to bring West Ham academy graduate Harrison Ashby to St James’ Park.
Well it seems Howe’s obsession with West Ham’s recruitment has not faded.
Because Romano has confirmed Newcastle United are poaching a key man from behind the scenes at West Ham.
In a series of posts, transfer reporter Romano confirmed that West Ham scout Delroy Ebanks will be leaving for Newcastle where he has been made the mega-rich club’s lead scout (south).
Ebanks was head of academy recruitment at West Ham with a focus on bringing players aged Under 12 to Under 21 to the club.
Chronicle Live have also confirmed the news stating: “Newcastle United have completed another addition in their scouting department by adding Delroy Ebanks to their backroom team.
“Ebanks will take up a lead scout (south) role as United look to make sure no stone is left unturned in the south of England.”
Ebanks spoke of his current role at West Ham saying: “Whatever it may be, we make sure they have as much information about that player (as possible).
“If you don’t believe the player has the potential to go on and play in West Ham’s first team, I feel like you’re wasting your time.”
It comes as a new blow to West Ham especially after Moyes admitted at the weekend that the likes of Brighton are miles ahead of the Hammers when it comes to recruiting top young talent.
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