Insider denies ex player’s claim about done and dusted West Ham summer transfer

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An insider has denied an ex player’s claim about a done and dusted West Ham summer transfer he claimed was to be announced.

West Ham legend Tony Cottee reportedly let slip to a betting website that Hammers boss David Moyes has done a deal to sign an English goalkeeper that will be announced soon (West Ham Zone).

“I think they’ve already done a deal to sign a goalkeeper, which will be announced soon,” Cottee has reportedly said (West Ham Zone).

West Ham have been heavily linked with West Brom’s Sam Johnstone and Burnley’s Nick Pope.

If accurate, Cottee’s claim would spell the end for the popular Alphonse Areola, who has been a big hit at West Ham on loan from PSG this season. West Ham have an option to make Areola’s move permanent for around £11m.

With Johnstone available on a free transfer this summer and the longstanding links to West Ham, that appeared to be the deal Cottee’s comments referred to – if true.

But a West Ham insider denies the ex player’s claim about the done and dusted West Ham summer transfer for an English ‘keeper.

The insider, speaking to Claret and Hugh, said there is no truth in Cottee’s comments.

“He (Johnstone) has been regularly linked with us over recent months but Claret and Hugh was told by a key Hammers source this morning there is no truth in the suggestion,” Claret and Hugh state.

“And that would appear to confirm that on loan Alphonse Areola is set to join the club although there has been no definite statement from the Hammers.

“However, our insider declared: “The manager likes him a lot!””

Moyes has already publicly admitted he wants to sign Areola on a permanent deal – as previously reported by Hammers News following comments to The Evening Standard.

That made Cottee’s claims all the more surprising.

Areola has no future at PSG but his former loan club Fulham are said to be interested and can offer him the number one spot (90Min and Football League World).

West Ham goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero convinced Moyes to sign Areola last summer with a presentation on the towering ‘keeper.

And Valero has been proved right. Areola’s reactions, his speed around the goal – and off his line – and kicking are excellent. Not to mention his presence given his huge 6ft 5in frame.

As former Hammer Jimmy Walker said recently, Areola is a bargain at his reported £11m price tag.

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