West Ham United’s reported transfer plans have been dealt a crushing double blow by Newcastle United overnight.
First pictures emerge of new look stands at West Ham’s London Stadium
According to reliable Hammers insider ExWHUemployee on The West Ham Way podcast last week, West Ham have been battling Newcastle for free agent midfielder Jeff Hendrick.
And an exclusive report from TEAMtalk, claimed West Ham want Newcastle ace Matty Longstaff, who was also set to be potentially available on a free.
West Ham battling Newcastle for Hendrick and Longstaff
West Ham boss David Moyes has been told he has no money for transfers and must sell to buy (Claret & Hugh).
As a result the Scot is said to be looking to the loan and free agent market.
ExWHUemployee told last week’s West Ham Way podcast that ex Burnley midfielder Hendrick is attracting interest from the Hammers.
Magpies deal Moyes a crushing double blow
But Newcastle – who are not exactly flush with cash either after the collapse of their much anticipated Saudi-led takeover – appear to have dealt a crushing double blow to West Ham’s transfer plans.
That’s according to separate reports overnight. One states that Hendrick is set for a medical with the Magpies.
The other that Longstaff has agreed a new contract with his hometown club.
Sky Sports claim Hendrick is set to become Steve Bruce’s first signing of the summer.
Hammers transfer market struggles continue
And The Times reports that 20-year-old Longstaff has been persuaded to snub the likes of West Ham and Udinese to stay at St James Park.
It seems every which way West Ham turn this summer there are obstacles to any progress on the transfer front.
That is a major cause for concern among fans.
Particularly given West Ham only narrowly avoided relegation last term. They did so with the league’s fifth worst defence and the new campaign is just three weeks away.
Premier League loan rules will seriously restrict cash-strapped West Ham
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