West Ham have made progress behind the scenes to seal their first signing of the summer but Spurs are trying to hijack the deal.
- Hammers News exclusive
West Ham have nothing but pride – and around £9m in merit money – to play for between now and the end of the season.
Bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur have been just as dismal as West Ham in the Premier League this season.
In fact Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs have actually lost more games than the Hammers with seven to play until a horrendous campaign can be consigned to history.
Tottenham do have the Europa League – and a possible place in the Champions League – still to play for, until next week at least.
Hammers and Spurs clash over bargain move
The London rivals will likely be shopping in the same market this summer after Daniel Levy told Tottenham fans ‘we can’t spend what we don’t have’.
The Hammers have been issuing similar warnings to their own supporters.
Just this morning West Ham’s owners reiterated they are at the PSR limit.
As a result, the Irons board says player sales are needed and the club ‘must be clever’ with their summer signings as Graham Potter rebuilds the Premier League’s oldest squad.
With finances dictating transfers in east and north London, it should be no surprise West Ham and Spurs are on a collision course for a potential bargain.
West Ham have been linked with a host of soon-to-be free agents including Jonathan David and Kyle Walker-Peters.
Ageing right-back Vladimir Coufal is one of 11 players Potter is looking to ship out of the London Stadium.
Left-back Emerson Palmieri is another.
Young Hammers Academy graduate Ollie Scarles has impressed but needs time to really step up to the required level as a modern top flight full-back.
West Ham agree terms for first signing but Spurs launch hijack
So West Ham are looking to sign a versatile full-back who can play on both sides and is equally adept as a traditional full-back or wingback.
Walker-Peters was heavily linked with a move to West Ham last summer.
In the end a move never materialised and he is now set to leave relegated Southampton on a free transfer.
Hammers News can reveal West Ham have agreed terms in principle for their first summer signing – but Spurs have moved to hijack the deal.
West Ham have actually been linked with four Southampton players this week.
It’s claimed Potter wants goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, exciting young attacker Tyler Dibling and Walker-Peters.
Now journalist Graeme Bailey has told Hammers News that one of those moves has been made official.
Hammers News also understands from a source inside the club that a contract has been agreed in principle on a £75k per week deal for Walker-Peters, who turns 28 on Sunday.
But there is a real problem in the shape of Levy and his former club Tottenham.
Spurs could pull on Walker-Peters’ heartstrings
“West Ham have made an offer to Walker-Peters, who is available on a free,” Bailey told Hammers News.
“But a load of clubs are keen including Spurs, Palace, Fulham – and even Chelsea are looking at him too.”
A West Ham source confirmed Bailey’s claim, revealing the Hammers are the first to match Walker-Peters’ £75k per week terms.
But there is now a nagging doubt that he will agree to join because Tottenham are tugging on the Edmonton-born star’s heartstrings.
Walker-Peters came through the ranks at Spurs and played 24 games for the club before leaving for the Saints.
A top West Ham source told Hammers News: “It was looking positive and the player likes the idea but Spurs are serious about him too so we are told.
“He’s a Tottenham boy so that may now come into it and prove decisive.”
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