Newcastle are reportedly closing in on two brilliant early deals and it begs the question just what are West Ham waiting for?
It is inevitable that West Ham and Newcastle United will be fishing in the same waters for players in this summer’s transfer window.
The Hammers and Magpies are among the clubs in that second tier of the Premier League who are looking to consistently challenge the top six.
The ability of West Ham and Newcastle to do that will depend heavily on recruitment.
Newcastle United were said to be very much interested in the man who heads that up at West Ham as they prepare for life after the departing Dan Ashworth.
It was recently revealed that Newcastle’s Saudi owners were keen on Hammers technical director Tim Steidten.
That’s understandable given he was the man who built the remarkable Bayer Leverkusen side taking Germany and Europe by storm.
And he has started well at West Ham too with impressive deals for the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Edson Alvarez and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
West Ham and Newcastle to lock horns over transfers
Steidten has recently committed his future to West Ham, though, saying he sees it as a five-year project.
So instead of hiring the man overseeing West Ham’s signings, it seems Newcastle are simply trying to beat him to them instead.
West Ham have been on the trail of 26-year-old defender Tosin Adarabioyo for some time now if reports are to be believed.
There were even claims the soon to be out-of-contract Fulham centre-back has been lined up as West Ham’s first summer signing.
But Newcastle have also been rivalling the Hammers for Adarabioyo, who is set to decide his future imminently according to reports.
Another English defender available on a free this summer has been linked with both West Ham and Newcastle in the shape of Lloyd Kelly.
Kelly, 25, has been on West Ham’s radar for a while now.
Newcastle close on deals so what are West Ham waiting for?
Crucially for West Ham both Adarabioyo and Kelly tick the homegrown status box – something that is very much shaping Steidten’s plans this summer.
Now Newcastle are closing in on two brilliant deals so what are West Ham waiting for?
According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are getting close to winning the race to sign both Kelly and Adarabioyo as free agents.
Romano says Eddie Howe’s plan is “progressing very well and fast”.
“Kelly, priority target as Newcastle are optimistic to make it happen very early in the summer,” Romanos said.
“Talks also progressing with Adarabioyo as he’s set to leave Fulham.”
Last week it was reported incoming new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has pulled the plug on the club’s planned move for Adarabioyo.
That reportedly took Adarabioyo and his agent by surprise.
It may take may take some West Ham fans by surprise too.
Two no brainers for Hammers
With so many new signings needed at the London Stadium this summer, deals for the two free agent, English defenders look absolute no brainers.
Especially as only yesterday Hammers board insider Sean Whetstone revealed Steidten plans to prioritise the signing of TWO centre-backs for Lopetegui this summer.
Chances to get two English players at good ages without having to fork out a transfer fee do not come around very often.
Adarabioyo and Kelly are both athletic players with plenty of room for improvement too.
If Howe thinks they are good enough for Newcastle then surely West Ham can’t be turning their noses up at the duo?
If the Hammers have other targets then fair enough.
But if this is a case of the club missing out to the Magpies through indecision given the change of manager then it feels like a big opportunity missed.
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