West Ham were hit by news Everton have launched their own bid for Carlos Soler and now a development suggests a deal is close.
The summer transfer window closes a week today both West Ham and Everton are on the hunt for players.
News emerged overnight that the Toffees are trying to hijack West Ham’s move for PSG outcast Carlos Soler.
Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui has been lining up his fellow Spaniard Soler for weeks.
Soler was a regular in the Spain squad when Lopetegui was the manager.
And the pair have reportedly spoken about the versatile midfield ace moving to the London Stadium.
But Everton have pounced on West Ham’s struggles to offload players with their own move for Soler.
Sean Dyche has sensed an opportunity and Everton are looking to do a straight cash permanent deal whereas the Hammers may only be able to offer a loan with obligation.
Everton launch hijack for big West Ham target
Everton’s offer is said to appeal more to PSG for obvious reasons so the Toffees appear to have edged in front of West Ham in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature as things stand.
Well this one appears to be moving quite quickly now.
Yesterday it was claimed West Ham have a deal all lined up for Soler and were just waiting to offload a player or two before sealing the move.
Enter Everton, who – it has emerged – have been tracking Soler for a lot longer than the Hammers and have also spoken to PSG.
Now there’s been a major development which suggests a deal is now close as Everton and West Ham battle for Soler.
In France, clubs announce their squads for games well in advance of the match itself.
PSG take on Montpellier in Ligue 1 tonight and the squad has been announced.
Major development suggests Soler deal now close
The big news is that Soler – who was in the PSG squad for their game against Le Havre last weekend – has been left out amid the talk of bids from West Ham and Everton.
Soler was an unused sub last week. But this time he is not even among the 21 players PSG have named for the clash.
This is potentially massive given the claims being made overnight and this morning.
And it very much suggests a deal may well be close now for the midfielder to move to the Premier League.
But will it be destination London Stadium or Goodison Park?
West Ham will be hoping Lopetegui is their ace card.
But if Everton are offering a deal more to PSG’s liking then the Hammers may not even get the chance to speak to Soler on the record.
It is as simple as that.
Soler’s time at Paris Saint-Germain has been challenging, so it is no wonder he wants out.
A top star at Valencia, Soler found himself in a squad already brimming with midfield talent like Marco Verratti, Vitinha, and Renato Sanches to name but a few in Paris.
That depth has limited his playing time ever since, making it difficult for him to establish a rhythm and showcase the skills Lopetegui is well aware of.
Why things haven’t worked out for Soler at PSG
Soler has been dipped in and out which has not helped. Especially given the relentless pressure to perform at a club like PSG, combined with the need to adapt to a new league and environment.
That does not make him a bad player, though.
His ability to play both in attacking and defensive midfield mean he would be a superb addition for West Ham or Everton.
Soler would get more guaranteed game time at Everton. But the Hammers are a club in much better shape on and off the pitch with aspirations of Europe.
That, coupled with the London and Lopetegui factors, would surely make the Irons favourites in a straight shootout for the star.
It may not reach that stage, though, if Everton agree a permanent deal West Ham can’t afford.
And the Toffees would be doing so in the knowledge they have money coming in after Dyche admitted he is likely to be forced to sell Dominic Calvert-Lewin before next Friday’s deadline.
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