It’s like Groundhog Day as Newcastle boss Eddie Howe threatens to hijack a West Ham move for long-term Declan Rice heir Moises Caicedo.
When Newcastle were linked with one West Ham target after another during the summer window, one report described Eddie Howe’s interest in David Moyes’ recruitment as ‘obsessive’.
It was easy to see why.
Newcastle reportedly made – ultimately unsuccessful – 11th hour bids to hijack West Ham’s £30m West Ham deal with Rennes for Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd and to sign Alphonse Areola.
The Hammers and Newcastle were also locked in transfer battles over Jesse Lingard, Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike to name just a few.
Given the vast wealth behind Newcastle now, there were even reports the Magpies could make a statement big money move to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice.
Not that it was given much credence at the London Stadium.
Rice won’t be heading to St James’ Park, but Moyes knows that he will soon have to replace his talisman after the midfielder once again made it clear he wants to play for an elite club competing for trophies.
One player very much being linked as West Ham’s Rice replacement is Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. The Daily Mail and fellow Hammers website Claret and Hugh have carried a report saying Moyes has decided Caicedo is the man to replace Rice at West Ham.
But it’s Groundhog Day as Newcastle boss Howe threatens to hijack any West Ham move for long-term Rice heir Caicedo.
According to The Daily Mail Brighton accept they will have to sell their top players and Caicedo is the “next cab on the rank”.
The report states that Brighton want £60m for the midfield destroyer – which should leave West Ham at least £30m in the bank after selling Rice.
Howe are also very keen, though, and The Daily Mail claims he and Newcastle will rival West Ham for the Ecuadorian.
If Newcastle are involved with their ability to afford big wages now – and should they maintain their push for the Champions League – it might be tough for the Hammers to compete.
London could be an ace card for Moyes of course. But West Ham will need to box clever with recruitment with Newcastle around now.
With the appointments of Rob Newman and Mark Noble that is clearly what the Hammers are trying to do in order to get an edge in the transfer market.
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