Aston Villa’s loss could be Everton’s gain as West Ham consider a bid for a star according to a top Sky Sports reporter.
With PSR rules restricting how much clubs like West Ham, Aston Villa and Everton can spend to bridge the gap on the so-called elite, sales are more key than ever.
Both Villa and Everton have been making sales and signings so far.
Indeed Aston Villa are said to be on the verge of signing former Hammers target Amadou Onana from the Toffees.
After spending £60m on Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme and defender Max Kilman, there are question marks over what remains of West Ham’s summer budget.
Especially as signing a new striker is one of the priorities for the Hammers.
Hammers won’t pay Villa’s Duran asking price
It was claimed a move for Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran might accelerate this week after the conclusion of the Copa America.
But West Ham exclusively told Hammers News at the weekend that West Ham won’t pay Villa’s £35m asking price for Duran.
Unless Aston Villa lower their valuation considerably, then that deal won’t be happening.
That has pushed West Ham towards Everton, who could now get a crucial cash boost instead.
On Monday morning, Hammers News confirmed what we reported last week – that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on West Ham’s striker shortlist.
Head coach Julen Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten have Youssef En-Nesyri and Armando Broja on the list alongside Duran and Calvert-Lewin.
Now Aston Villa’s loss could be Everton’s gain as West Ham consider making a bid for the star.
Villa’s loss could be Everton’s gain as West Ham consider bid
“There has been interest in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran and they have explored conditions of a potential deal,” Sheth confirmed on Sky Sports.
“As yet, there has been no formal offer – and one source has told us interest has cooled slightly with a focus on other targets.
“Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one of a number of strikers West Ham have looked at.”
This is old news if you have been following Hammers News’ transfer updates.
West Ham revealed Duran was ‘one of many we’re in for’ while journalist Graeme Bailey said Calvert-Lewin is one of four forwards being considered.
So Villa’s lost could be Everton’s gain here.
Unai Emery and Villa fans have become frustrated by Duran’s impatience over his lack of game time.
So much so many would be happy to see him sold.
But Villa’s valuation has all but put paid to the chances of the 20-year-old Colombian moving to the London Stadium.
Unless something changes on that front, West Ham will move on to Calvert-Lewin next it seems.
Everton could be much more receptive to a deal given their financial situation.
More money in the bank for Everton?
Especially as it gives the Toffees a chance to get some money in for a player with a history of injury problems.
What West Ham fans will make of a potential move for Calvert-Lewin is another matter.
The 27-year-old forward did manage 38 games in all competitions for Everton last season, 29 of those starts.
He only scored eight goals and laid on three assists.
But chances for a striker after often at a premium in a Sean Dyche team. Calvert-Lewin did manage to record an average match rating of nearly 7/10.
West Ham may also be able to use their savvy on this deal.
Dyche has previously shown interest in his former player Maxwel Cornet.
So perhaps the Hammers might look to include Cornet in any bid for Calvert-Lewin.
Not that he’s expected to be particularly expensive given his contract expires at Goodison Park next summer.
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