A major twist has emerged in West Ham’s pursuit of Charlie Cresswell after criticism of Nuno Espirito Santo from the club’s top brass.
There is some much-needed and exceptionally rare positivity sweeping through West Ham right now.
But make no mistake, Hammers tensions still appear to be bubbling just below the surface.
That may not be a bad thing for West Ham’s survival hopes, though, it seems.
West Ham made it clear they intended to attack the January transfer window in a bid to stay in the Premier League – quite literally.
Nuno Espirito Santo was backed with two striker signings to the tune of £47m within 48 hours of the window opening.
Nuno backed by West Ham but criticised over transfers
There is no doubting the Irons needed attacking reinforcements.
But having kept just one clean sheet in 24 games in all competitions this season, signing new defenders was seen as a top priority by most Hammers fans.
The chances of escaping relegation just went up 👆
However, since the arrival of Taty Castellanos and Pablo, Nuno has been pushing for even more attackers.
West Ham have made moves for three more attacking players and a deal for one of them is said to be imminent.
So it is clear the Hammers intend to try score their way to survival.
While admirable and in line with the kind of attacking mentality West Ham supporters want to see and expect, there have been calls to address the issues in defence.
Hammers cult hero James Collins said this week he does not understand why West Ham have not gone straight out and signed a centre-back who wants to head the ball.
While Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo have been much-improved under Nuno, keeping clean sheets remains a big issue.
Hopefully not for too much longer, though, as Collins’ call could be answered.
After the win over Spurs, Nuno once again stated he wants more signings to rebalance his squad.
Now there has been a major Charlie Cresswell twist as West Ham make a new push after Nuno criticism.
Cresswell twist as West Ham make new push after Nuno criticism
Hammers News revealed West Ham wanted to try and sign Cresswell this month after trying but failing to do so back on deadline day in the summer.
Talks were held but progress stalled as Toulouse increased their valuation following interest, predominantly from Germany.
Charlie Cresswell will be West Ham’s best defender…😍
How can Nuno convince him to join?
Fresh movement now suggests the situation has shifted once again.
It comes after Nuno was publicly criticised by West Ham’s board over transfers – and not for the first time.
West Ham’s manager has – rightly – been banging the drum about keeping clean sheets since he arrived at the end of September.
And the Hammers’ defensive bed is very messy indeed.
Hammers fans have been left scratching their heads as to why the club has not brought in a defender as yet given the team’s glaring issue of conceding, on average, two goals per game.
The website Claret and Hugh counts majority owner David Sullivan among its contacts.
In a report on defensive targets, the site claims a top West Ham source, believed to be Sullivan, has criticised Nuno’s indecision over which defender/s he wants.
“(Nuno is) dithering on centre back targets – which is frustrating,” the West Ham source is quoted as saying.
Whether that criticism, or conversations on a similar theme behind the scenes have prompted Nuno to get his act together or not, West Ham have now made a fresh move for ex Leeds star Cresswell.
Has West Ham criticism forced Nuno to give Cresswell green light?
West Ham missed out on Cresswell in the summer after Toulouse rejected their cheap loan with an option to buy offer.
Since then Toulouse’s valuation has risen from around £15m to £22m, putting off many German clubs who like the England Under 21 regular.
Now, though, West Ham are back in the hunt for Cresswell, according to Sky Sports.
It appears Nuno has finally given the move his blessing and West Ham are making fresh inquiries for the 23-year-old.
It is claimed Toulouse value the aerially dominant centre-back at £22m, a figure which has seen Wolfsburg ruled out of the running.
West Ham are now ‘closely monitoring the situation in the background’ before making their bid.
It is not the first time West Ham’s board has been critical of the manager over recruitment.
The Hammers hierarchy slammed the head coach ahead of the window, saying Nuno was ‘very slow to approve players’ for West Ham to sign.
Shortly after that criticism, West Ham landed two new forwards.
So Hammers supporters will be hoping this latest barb aimed Nuno’s way will have the same effect when it comes to Cresswell.
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