West Ham have responded to claims that David Sullivan has told Graham Potter to lower his transfer ambitions, following reports of tensions over the summer budget.
- Hammers News exclusive
With fans increasingly concerned over the lack of signings, the reaction of the club’s top brass makes the situation at West Ham perfectly clear.
It is now less than three weeks until the new Premier League season starts and the Hammers are being tipped to struggle.
Team spirit has notably improved with a full pre-season under Graham Potter.
It has been visible in footage put out by West Ham.
But players, staff and Potter himself have all made a point of highlighting the increased sense of togetherness amongst the group.
He may have been a superb player on his day.
West Ham falling behind in summer transfer window
But Hammers News understands Mohammed Kudus was a truculent and difficult character in the West Ham dressing room.
Julen Lopetegui found that out when daring to criticise the Ghanaian for being selfish in a game at Brentford last season.
A blazing row ensued and Kudus has wanted out of West Ham ever since.
He has ensured a hostile reception from Hammers fans for the remainder of his career with his declarations of love for bitter rivals Spurs since making that unthinkable move.
Kudus’ departure seems to have had a positive impact on the atmosphere in the West Ham dressing room.
But it has also given Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay £54.5m to spend on signings.
However, only El Hadji Malick Diouf and free agent Kyle Walker-Peters have arrived thus far.
With the new season fast-approaching, that has not gone down well with West Ham fans.
There have been rumours of tension in the Hammers ranks over transfers.
Especially since it emerged Callum Wilson is set to join West Ham on a free transfer despite Potter – rightly or wrongly – reportedly feeling the club doesn’t need a new forward.
Wilson is a client of Will Salthouse – a big agent friend of majority owner David Sullivan.
West Ham respond to rumours Sullivan has ordered Potter to lower transfer ambitions
The Hammers are in desperate need of new signings given how competitive the Premier League is expected to be next season.
There have been rumours that all is not well in West Ham’s recruitment ranks.
But now West Ham have responded to rumours Sullivan has ordered Potter to lower his transfer ambitions.
Potter and Macaulay have a long list of targets for a host of positions that are in desperate need of strengthening.
West Ham exclusively told Hammers News a goalkeeper signing was the priority for this week.
Sullivan, Potter and Macaulay all on same page at West Ham
With the arrival of ageing, injury-prone striker Wilson still looming for West Ham, there has been talk Sullivan – in his role as the club’s de facto director of football – is forcing certain players and targets on the manager.
West Ham have been heavily linked with Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
But suddenly Salthouse client Michael Cooper – of Sheffield United – has entered the frame for the east Londoners, sparking further suspicion from fans.
It’s been claimed in West Ham circles that Sullivan has told Potter and Macaulay to look at signing cheaper players as their targets are too expensive.
But the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners has hit back at the mischief-making claims.
The highest possible source inside the club has told Hammers News that Sullivan, Macaulay and Potter are all on the same page and pulling in the same direction.
“It is totally untrue that Potter and Macaulay have been told to lower their transfer ambitions,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News.
“They (Potter and Macaulay) know we have FFP/PSR restrictions.
“We all work together very closely.”
Closely enough, West Ham fans will hope, to seal some more signings in the very near future.
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