West Ham and Manchester United have been locked in talks over Aaron Wan-Bissaka for weeks and a journalist says the Red Devils’ conduct is ‘crazy’.
The protracted talks between West Ham and Manchester United for Aaron Wan-Bissaka took another twist overnight.
Negotiations between the Hammers and Man United over Wan-Bissaka were temporarily off just over a week ago.
Frustrated West Ham technical director Tim Steidten then used Manchester United’s interest in Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich against them.
In a move that was very much by design, West Ham bid for Mazraoui to try and force Man United’s hand over Wan-Bissaka.
While other media outlets have been tripping over themselves claiming a deal is close for the best part of a week now, a top West Ham board source urged caution over West Ham’s talks with Man United.
Sean Whetstone claimed the same stumbling block which saw a West Ham move for Red Devils centre-back Harry Maguire collapse last summer is now an issue in the Wan-Bissaka deal.
Namely a severance payment the player expects to receive from Manchester United.
West Ham and Man United Wan-Bissaka deal now a saga
Earlier this week, West Ham were infuriated by Man United’s actions over Wan-Bissaka after they finally agreed personal terms with the right-back.
That’s after Old Trafford chiefs suddenly hiked the price again after lowering their demands following West Ham’s move for Mazraoui.
West Ham confirmed yesterday they want to ‘crack on’ with the signing of Wan-Bissaka once deals for Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez are done this weekend.
But there were further developments in this saga overnight.
And a journalist has labelled Man United’s conduct over the West Ham deal ‘crazy’ after what he has heard and witnessed.
Mirror journalist Ryan Taylor has confirmed an agreement remains ‘close’ between the two clubs over the former Palace star.
Journalist labels Man United conduct over West Ham deal ‘crazy’
Yet Wan-Bissaka not only started Man United’s 3-0 pre-season defeat to Liverpool, he played 83 minutes – more than any other player – and picked up a knock.
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka played more minutes (83) than any outfield Man Utd player last night in 3-0 defeat to Liverpool,” Taylor said.
“Crazy given West Ham agreement is close.
“Obviously other moving parts (Noussair Mazraoui) but emphasises how badly Erik ten Hag is currently stretched (by injuries).”
The Independent claims Wan-Bissaka was withdrawn through an unspecified injury.
The report states: “Wan-Bissaka, who has been linked with West Ham during the transfer window, went down in the 80th minute and was treated on the field before James Scanlon replaced him, while 21-year-old Will Fish was also unable to continue following a challenge with Liverpool forward Harvey Blair.”
Meanwhile The Daily Mail is now reporting what Hammers News told you earlier this week – that Man United have indeed raised their demands to £18m.
Man United playing risky game of poker with £18m hand
The 26-year-old’s agent is Will Salthouse, who is close with West Ham majority owner David Sullivan and his sons.
Salthouse has been privately pleading with West Ham chief Sullivan to sign Wan-Bissaka.
West Ham’s performances in pre-season, particularly in the 3-1 defeat to Palace overnight, highlight just how much Julen Lopetegui needs Wan-Bissaka.
And that fact is not lost on Manchester United, who will be hoping West Ham’s desperation sees them meet their demands.
Playing Wan-Bissaka as they have been, though, is a very risky move – as last night proved.
In the last year of his contract, Erik ten Hag is playing poker with an £18m hand and his bluff almost backfired spectactularly.
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