West Ham United are in a straight deadline battle with London rivals Fulham for highly-rated Manchester City starlet Tosin Adarabioyo.
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That’s according to well-placed local journalist Simon Bajkowski, who writes for the Manchester Evening News.
West Ham boss David Moyes is desperate to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm.
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Former three-time Hammer of the Year Scott Parker also needs defensive reinforcements in a bid to try and keep pointless Fulham in the top flight.
Beyond today both West Ham and Fulham will have to look to the Championship for signings.
West Ham have been linked with a plethora of centre-backs since the end of last season.
Moyes has missed out on a host of reported defensive targets from Shane Duffy to James Tarkowski, Wesley Fofana and Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car.
Interest in Jonathan Tah appears doomed. And new links to Armando Izzo and Aleksandar Dragovic look to have come too late in the day.
Knockdown fee for young defender Guardiola rated highly
But MEN football writer Bajkowski claims West Ham are now looking to sign 23-year-old City starlet Adarabioyo this deadline day and face competition from the Cottagers.
Adarabioyo is a player West Ham have been linked to earlier in the window.
The Hammers were offered the chance to sign the young centre-back for just £8 million according to high level insiders Claret and Hugh last month.
Adarabioyo shone on loan at Blackburn last season. In 34 league outings, he racked up three goals and averaged 0.9 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 4.7 clearances per game. He also won an average of 3.2 aerial duals per match (Who Scored).
The youngster is considered a real talent and City boss Pep Guardiola raved about him three years ago, when speaking to The Daily Mail.
‘Expected to leave permanently today’
If they can beat relegation favourites Fulham to his signature, Bajkowski says West Ham could get Adarabioyo for a knockdown price as his contract is up next summer.
“Tosin Adarabioyo expected to leave Manchester City permanently today, with West Ham and Fulham interested,” Bajkowski said on Twitter.
“In the final year of his contract, which will bring £ (price) down.”
Rafinha, McGregor and another midfielder West Ham want before tonight’s 11pm deadline?
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