Tomas Soucek has reacted to news that Graham Potter plans to sell him according to a new report and a cut-price move to Everton is now very much on the cards say top sources.
Behind Jarrod Bowen, no player has been more influential for West Ham than Tomas Soucek in the last five years.
The big Czech arrived in the same window as Bowen and both have become fundamental players during what has predominantly been a successful period for the Hammers.
Even over the last 18 months, which have been dismal bordering on disastrous, Bowen and Soucek have been West Ham’s most reliable servants.
Suffering West Ham star Soucek reacts to Potter’s plan to sell him
West Ham have regressed badly, though, and the club claim players need to be sold this summer in order to make signings having reached their PSR limit.
Everton meanwhile look to be a club very much on the rise under ex Hammers boss David Moyes.
The Scot revealed Everton can finally spend this summer after their own PSR struggles in recent years.
The Toffees have been on an upward trajectory since Moyes returned to the club and there is a buzz around the move to their impressive new stadium this summer.
From the moment Moyes took over at Everton, he has been linked with Soucek.
In fact it has been claimed Everton want to sign as many as three Hammers players this summer.
However, his prime target is said to be West Ham fan favourite Soucek.
The prospect of Soucek joining Everton has been starting to looking inevitable as the towering midfielder finds himself consistently dropped from the starting XI for the first time in his West Ham career by new boss Graham Potter.
That was the case again in West Ham’s woeful 1-1 draw with Southampton last time out.
Everton midfielders Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye both look set to leave Everton as free agents this summer, as things stand.
For sale Soucek has told West Ham he wants to stay forever
It has been claimed that Moyes wants Soucek to replace them, as he looks to bring in big names he can trust.
Yesterday it was reported that Potter has given the green light for West Ham to sell Soucek amid Everton’s interest.
Given his huge influence on the club and team over the last five years, many fans feel that is a massively risky decision from Potter – who is already under pressure in east London.
Now suffering West Ham star Soucek has reacted to Potter’s plan to sell him to Everton with a cut-price deal very much on.
Citing sources close to the player, Claret and Hugh essentially claim Soucek is being forced out.
Because they have sensationally revealed the player has made it clear to West Ham he has no desire to leave the London Stadium.
Soucek has even told the club he wants to finish his career at West Ham but feels it is becoming increasingly obvious he is no longer part of Potter’s plans.
Czech publication MF DNES is across the situation too.
They are reporting Soucek ‘suffers’ when he finds himself on the bench, especially when West Ham aren’t doing well.
And the report from Soucek’s homeland claims if his situation doesn’t change then he could well be tempted to leave amid the interest from Everton and Leeds.
Cut-price Soucek deal now very much on for Everton
As a result of the developing situation, a third top source – Sean Whetstone – admits Soucek is now ‘odds-on’ to join Everton, but for half the price many feel he is worth.
Given his regular goal and defensive contributions, Soucek would be expected to fetch at least £25-30m in a normal market.
But Whetstone, who counts majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady among his contacts, claims: “West Ham can expect to receive a transfer fee of around £15m with add-ons with the 30-year-old Hammer expected to get a significant pay rise for his move to Merseyside.”
So it is looking increasingly likely Super Tom’s time as a Hammer may well be up very soon.
All good things come to an end of course. But is this decision too premature?
If Soucek does indeed reunite with Moyes as claimed, Everton will be getting one of the most dedicated and loveable characters any club could wish for.
The move will pile the pressure on Potter to get things right next season. Especially if Soucek hits the ground running with Moyes at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
