Graham Potter already appears to be having a big influence on West Ham’s transfer strategy after two major developments.
David Sullivan has demoted technical director Tim Steidten as he reassumes ultimate control of West Ham’s transfer business.
But new Hammers boss Graham Potter is having a big say on who the club will target in the January transfer window.
Hammers News exclusively revealed that Potter has turned down West Ham striker targets put to him thus far.
Potter is known for building his teams around young, energetic talent.
And he has already made it clear he does not want West Ham making signings for the sake of it.
Potter says they have to be the right standard and characters.
With Steidten expected to depart following his demotion, Potter’s influence in terms of transfers will be fundamental.
Potter effect on targets already clear at West Ham
And it seems he is already making an impact.
For the last week West Ham have been linked with a plethora of players of all profiles and styles.
It has been labelled the ‘return of the scattergun approach’ by some Hammers fans.
Many feel that is down to Sullivan being back in control of transfers.
But now the Irons are being linked with two top talents who a much more in line with the kind of player profile the manager would want and fans expect.
The Potter effect is clear as West Ham hold talks with European giants for an exciting duo.
First came news from Italy where Inter Live report that West Ham have been asking Inter Milan about a deal for 22-year-old Albania midfielder Kristjan Asllani.
Inter had very high hopes for Asllani but his progress has slowed of late.
Hammers hold talks with European giants for exciting duo
A dynamic midfielder known for his technical skill, composure and tactical versatility, Asllani is a deep-lying playmaker.
It’s easy to see why Potter wants him given West Ham’s issues in midfield. Besides his versatility, Asllani dictates tempo, orchestrating the play with his excellent passing and vision.
A mobile player, he also helps offer protection to the backline, something that West Ham are crying out for.
The former Empoli star is a very intelligent player and his reading of the game helps him intercept play and launch counter attacks.
Inter ‘still believe’ Asllani could explode for them. But the report claims they are considering West Ham’s approach.
The midfield ace is exactly the type of profile Potter usually targets.
Another player who fits that category is Ansu Fati.
West Ham back in for Fati as well as Asllani
Once seen as the heir to Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Fati has struggled to live up to expectations since breaking into their team with a bang as a 16-year-old.
Fati and his family once held secret talks with West Ham about a shock move.
In the end the move didn’t happen. But he did arrive in the Premier League last season with Potter’s old club Brighton.
Fati played 27 games for Brighton, scoring only four goals.
Since then he only made four league appearances for Barca this season.
But now Sport and Football Espana claim Fati has a new offer from West Ham.
Spurs are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old, who was once regarded the best player in world football for his age.
West Ham looking at players struggling with their current clubs
Like Asllani, Fati is the kind of profile of player Potter has always gone for.
West Ham have reportedly registered their interest in Fati with Barca.
And reports in Spain claim Fati has been advised by both the club and some of his camp accept a move on loan if it means more regular playing time.
The La Masia product has featured for just 186 minutes this season under Hansi Flick.
The links tie in with claims that West Ham are now actively targeting players who are struggling at their current clubs with a view to helping them fulfil their true potential.
There is no limit to the number of loans West Ham can have from foreign clubs.
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