Leeds United could scupper West Ham’s plan B if they can’t sign Abdul Fatawu but Nuno Espirito Santo has his own back-up in mind.
It was not too long ago that Leeds United would have killed to be in West Ham’s position.
While the Elland Road outfit were toiling to get back in the Premier League, the Hammers were flying and enjoying three consecutive seasons in Europe while winning a first major trophy for 43 years.
How times have changed.
Despite being Leeds 3-0 on the final day of the season, West Ham have dropped down to the Championship for the first time in 14 years.
Fatawu tops West Ham’s list of three targets for wide position
The Hammers are determined to ensure they don’t ‘do a Leeds’ who spent 16 years outside the top flight before returning.
But ironically Leeds could scupper a key Hammers transfer plan to help facilitate an immediate return to the big time.
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Leeds could scupper West Ham’s Abdul Fatawu plan B but Nuno Espirito Santo has his own back-up.
The Irons want to sign Ghana winger Fatawu from Leicester after their relegation to League One.
Nuno sees Fatawu as the ideal replacement for ex Leeds ace Crysencio Summerville, who West Ham will sell for big money this summer.
The Hammers do have other irons in the fire, though, one being Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Cozier-Duberry only left Arsenal for Brighton as he saw a clear pathway to the first team.
But the Seagulls have strengthened in wide areas and West Ham have their eye on the England Under 20 star as their alternative if they don’t land Fatawu.
Leeds could trump Hammers to plan B Cozier-Duberry
However, The Sun now claims Leeds have entered the race and want Cozier-Duberry too.
The report claims Wilfried Gnonto could be leaving Leeds and they are eyeing West Ham target Cozier-Duberry as his replacement.
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With Premier League football on offer, that might rule the Hammers out of the race.
Nuno has a plan C, though.
Hammers News understands Fatawu is the primary target for the wide position this summer with Cozier-Duberry next on the manager’s list.
If West Ham fail to land either of those, though, they will push to see if Everton are open to a deal for Dwight McNeil – a player who has been extensively linked with a move to the London Stadium since relegation.
Whether Brighton are willing to see Cozier-Duberry to West Ham or Leeds or prefer a loan at this stage remains to be seen.
Hammers News understands West Ham are keen to try and get a deal done with Leicester as soon as possible for fear his performances at the World Cup attract more suitors.
Leeds’ interest in their plan B Cozier-Duberry may expedite that Fatawu bid from the east Londoners.
West Ham are expected to start making concrete moves in the next week with Nils Koppen on his way in as technical director and the non-international members of the squad returning for pre-season training.
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