West Ham United were linked with Chelsea duo Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi over the weekend.
Read: Club president’s comments surely put talk of West Ham move to bed once and for all
The Hammers have long been linked with both players.
West Ham were said to be looking to sign midfielder Barkley on loan with an option back in January (The Mirror).
The Mirror claims West Ham boss Moyes confirmed their reported interest in Barkley. And the report stated the Irons will also try – yet again – for Chelsea outcast Batshuayi in the summer window.
But there have been wildly conflicting reports since.
Insider with direct line to owners denies double transfer interest
West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh – who have a direct line to owners David Sullivan and David Gold – was quick to deny the claims.
“It is believed those ships have well and truly sailed with regards to Moyes’s interest in Barkley and Batshuayi both 26 years of age and this is nothing more than a recycled piece of news by The Mirror,” Claret & Hugh stated.
“Moyes is thought to have have in mind many potential targets aged 25 or under from lower and foreign divisions as he looks to recreate an RB Leipzig model taking gambles on raw young hungry players who are yet unproven at the Premier League level.
Wildly conflicting reports over Batshuayi
“West Ham will not move in the transfer market until they are sure which division they will play in next season.”
Moyes has spoken very publicly on his admiration for the Red Bull model and his plans to build a new-look West Ham side around young, hungry, energetic players (Daily Mail, whufc.com and beIN Sports).
But since Claret & Hugh’s denial of West Ham’s interest, there have been several reports to the contrary over Batshuayi.
The Express and The Sun have claimed West Ham are ‘leading’ the chase for Chelsea’s Belgian flop.
Moyes will have target lists lined up
One thing is certain, as C&H states, West Ham will obviously not be making any transfer decisions or moves until they secure their Premier League status.
But that does not mean Moyes has not got a list of targets lined up.
In fact after nearly three months off you would expect the Scot to have a long list of targets and alternatives.
Now he must ensure West Ham do what they need to do on the pitch to give himself a chance of signing them.
Read: £35m star in talks to lower release clause which blocked West Ham move
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