Cash-strapped West Ham United are reportedly willing to pay £5million to beat Scottish champions Celtic to the signing of Shane Duffy.
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The likes of The Argus, The Irish Independent and insider ExWHUemployee have all reported West Ham’s interest in 28-year-old defender Duffy.
West Ham are even said to have held talks with Brighton outcast Duffy over a move – read full story – but ExWHUemployee revealed the Hammers face competition from Celtic.
West Ham and Celtic in straight shootout for defender Duffy
Both Fabian Balbuena and Winston Reid are expected to depart West Ham this summer. So West Ham will have to sign at least one new central defender.
Hammers boss David Moyes has admitted as much in an interview with The Evening Standard.
But Celtic boss Neil Lennon is also keen to bolster his backline as the Hoops go in search of 10 in a row.
Moyes has been told he must sell to buy this summer (Claret & Hugh).
So far the Scot has only been able to offload Albian Ajeti to Celtic for £5million.
Have Celtic inadvertently funded West Ham’s Duffy move with Ajeti deal?
And it appears West Ham are turning the tables on Celtic by using that very money to try and beat the Hoops to the signing of Duffy.
West Ham and Celtic have been linked with a loan move for Duffy, who Moyes worked with at Everton.
But a new report from Scotland’s The Daily Record overnight claims West Ham are now looking to do a permanent deal with Brighton for Duffy at around £5m in order to beat Celtic to his signature.
The Daily Record claims it is a straight shoot out between West Ham and Celtic for Duffy.
Hammers have the cash, Celtic have the emotional pull – report
But while West Ham may hold the advantage financially, Celtic have the emotional pull as Duffy is reportedly a boyhood Celtic fan.
In an ironic twist, though, West Ham’s move for Duffy could be funded using the £5m they received from the Bhoys for Ajeti.
“Celtic are involved in the race (for Duffy) with the Parkhead outfit hoping to secure a loan deal which would cost them around £2million in wages for the cost of a season,” The Daily Record reports.
“West Ham, however, are prepared to pay a full transfer fee for a permanent deal at a cost in the region of £5million.
“Manager David Moyes has worked with Duffy during the pair’s time together at Everton and the financial muscle of the Londoners due to Premier League riches could give them a cash edge.”
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