A journalist has just lifted the lid on what now looks set to be West Ham’s first signing of the summer as reality bites.
This time last week Graham Potter was delivering a hugely exciting forecast for West Ham’s future.
Quite literally.
West Ham’s woefully underachieving squad had been put on notice by the manager following a dismal recent defeat to Wolves.
Graham Potter then told Hammers fans they’re in for an “exciting summer window”.
As great as it was to hear, supporters were somewhat bemused given word that has been coming out from his bosses.
West Ham’s owners responded to Graham Potter’s bold transfer promise saying they “expect to bring in some players” this summer.
But the board reiterated that players must be sold first because the club has reached its PSR limit.
Potter’s bold transfer claim heightened Hammers hopes
An extended summer window opens in six weeks, on June 1st.
Speculation is already starting to ramp up regarding West Ham’s transfer targets.
The Hammers have been linked with some mouth-watering names, many since January.
The likes of strikers Emanuel Emegha, Liam Delap, Jonathan David and Samu Omorodion are being mooted as being in West Ham’s sights.
Potter also really likes David’s Lille teammate Angel Gomes, the talented England midfielder.
Both are set to be free agents this summer while Delap has a reasonable £30m release clause.
Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Genoa’s powerful young Dutch defender Koni De Winter are said to be top defensive targets.
A host of quality young full-backs are being linked with West Ham too, as is top emerging England goalkeeper James Trafford.
But shocking reality bites as a journalist lifts the lid on West Ham’s likely first summer signing.
When Potter first arrived at West Ham, Hammers News exclusively revealed Evan Ferguson wasn’t the only player he wanted from his old club Brighton.
Reality bites as journalist lifts lid on West Ham’s likely signing
A top source inside the club revealed at the time that West Ham had held preliminary talks with Brighton for Adam Webster.
The Seagulls were said to be willing to sell the centre-back – and more importantly for West Ham given their finances – for a reasonable fee too.
A deal never materialised in January, but it is still on the cards.
That’s according to Gary Jacob of The Times who has revealed that West Ham continue to show interest in getting that deal done for Webster.
Jacob points to the fact the Brighton defender only has a year remaining on his contract as a reason the Hammers are likely to push for a player Potter likes from their time together at the Amex.
West Ham back in for Webster after talks
After bringing on Jean-Clair Todibo last summer and being linked with more impressive names ahead of the next window, the fact Webster is likely to be a cheap and cheerful first permanent signing of Potter’s reign is a bit of a wake-up call.
It is clear evidence that money is tight at West Ham this summer.
That is not to say Webster won’t be a good or shrewd acquisition.
While the name may not excite Hammers fans, Potter is a huge fan of Webster. And when you appoint a manager, you have to back their judgement.
Hammers News was told in January that Potter believes the 30-year-old will be the ideal third-choice centre-back for the medium to long-term.
Underwhelming target shows where West Ham are financially
He is someone who knows Potter’s system and expectations, knows the Premier League and can hit the ground running.
The move bears many similarities to West Ham signing Craig Dawson under David Moyes.
West Ham fans are well aware how that worked out after initial scepticism and anger from the majority.
Dawson arrived on loan from Championship Watford as fifth-choice back-up.
But his move was quickly made permanent for just £1.5m as Dawson went from zero to hero.
Potter will be hoping Webster, who has made just 17 appearances this season under new boss Fabian Hurzeler, can have a similar impact.
However, the fact Webster is a top target does show exactly where the Hammers are at in terms of transfer funds and priorities for the summer.
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