One of the early themes of West Ham United’s transfer window has been the sheer amount of so-called ‘proven’ Championship talent reportedly under consideration.
As the sale of Mateus Fernandes draws nearer, the Hammers have been linked with Jordan James [the second-tier’s reigning Young Player of the Year award] and Sheffield United’s Sydie Peck.
Peck’s Blades team-mate Harrison Burrows is allegedly a potential replacement for El Hadji Malick Diouf at left-back. In pursuit of defensive reinforcements, club insider ExWhuEmployee claims that talks have been held with Middlesbrough’s Dael Fry.
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Alternatives include Stoke captain Ben Wilmott, while Swansea duo Ethan Galbraith and Zan Vipotnik are ones to watch as well. West Ham United were told to watch Vipotnik by the recently-departed head of recruitment Max Hahn. A solid recommendation, given that Vipotnik would go on to lift the Golden Boot.
One name that we can now officially draw a line through, though, is that of Bobby Clark.
West Ham United-linked Bobby Clark joins Derby County permanently
Clark was another name put forward by ExWhuEmployee for the attacking midfield department, alongside Million Manhoef of Stoke and Ruben Colwill of Cardiff.
The 21-year-old son of former Newcastle and Sunderland midfielder Lee, Clark spent last season on loan at promotion dark horses Derby County.
A promising campaign in the East Midlands – resulting in three goals and three assists across 33 Championship starts – was enough to convince Derby to part with a sum of £6 million.
Clark, once of Liverpool, joined the Rams on a permanent basis from Red Bull Salzburg and was officially unveiled on Tuesday.
West Ham will go into next season as one of the clear favourites for promotion, along with Wolves and Spygate-ridden Southampton. Unfancied Derby finished as high as eighth under one of the best managers in the EFL, John Eustace.
The signing of Clark, then, feels like an early statement of intent. Derby – and Clark himself – are determined to go again.
“I enjoyed everything about the club, the team, everyone working for the club, the fanbase. I thought it was the perfect destination for me,” the England Under-20 international said after becoming Derby’s fourth-most expensive signing of all time.
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“It was a big decision because I obviously want to reach my potential. I needed to pick my next step carefully and this club definitely suits me. I think, being at Derby, I’ll just get better and better.
“I think everyone at the club knows where we want to be – we want to get Derby County into the Premier League. Obviously, we just fell short last season but I’m sure we can build on it and hopefully get it done.”
Midfielders will be needed by Nuno Espirito Santo this summer
Central midfielder Clark played in a variety of roles for Derby last season. Versatility is certainly something that appeals to Nuno Espirito Santo; the centre of the park set to become an area in need of reinforcement once Fernandes departs.
Tomas Soucek left the door open himself when discussing his own future. A fresh start in Italy appeals to the veteran. Mohamadou Kante has interest from France and Italy, while Soungoutou Magassa is yet to convince in claret and blue.
Other midfielders linked with the Hammers include Amadou Kone of Neom SC, Celtic playmaker Arne Engels, and Newcastle man Joe Willock.
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