West Ham United have received a word of warning about prospective deadline day signing Josh King from his international manager.
The truth about Benrahma after lazy criticism of impending West Ham transfer
According to Sky Sports, West Ham are still interested in signing King ahead of today’s transfer deadline.
West Ham had a £13million bid for the versatile forward rejected by Bournemouth last weekend (Sky Sports).
There had been speculation the Hammers would return with an improved offer.
Moyes still wants Josh but West Ham won’t pay King’s ransom
Bournemouth were said to be looking for around £18m. But the West Ham will be hoping the Cherries are forced to lower their expectations as the clock ticks down to 5pm. Particularly given that King will walk away for nothing next summer.
David Moyes desperately needs to bolster his centre-forward and left-wing department before the domestic transfer window slams shut.
The Said Benrahma deal looks set to be completed before then barring any last ditch snags.
It was seemingly unlikely that West Ham would sign both Benrahma and King. But Sky Sports insist West Ham remain interested in completing a late swoop for the Norwegian striker.
Norway boss hopes for King move but sounds warning
If they do, then West Ham should not expect King to be fit, or in a good head space.
That’s according to his international boss Lars Lagerback, who is hoping the player can secure a move on deadline day.
Despite a lack of action this season, King was called up to the Norway squad for the latest international break.
And Norway manager Lagerback said King is ‘rusty’ and ‘not in a good situation’.
“I really hope that it works out now and that he can get started,” Lagerback told TV2.
“He’s not in a good situation.
“I think he made good jumps in the earlier matches, but it seems in certain situations he’s a little rusty.”
Lagerback’s comments were backed up by the West Ham target himself.
In a revealing interview back in his native Norway this week, King said he cannot believe he is still at Bournemouth.
King wants Premier League return on deadline day
And the former Manchester United youngster says the last two months have been the worst of his life.
“I hope to return (to the Premier League), the transfer window is still open, so we’ll see,” King told TV2.
“I want to start playing again and get in good shape, that’s the most important thing…
“If I’m to be honest, it’s been the two worst months of my life. But I can’t give a reason.”
Should West Ham somehow get Benrahma and King over the line it would paint a much brighter picture of what had been a woeful transfer window.
Vladimir Coufal looks a quality addition while Benrahma and King would give Moyes plenty of options for various formations.