Club Source Reveals “Real Doubt” Over Kudus to Spurs Transfer Progressing
Mohammed Kudus and his potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur has hit a major snag, with a senior West Ham insider admitting there’s “real doubt” that Spurs will return with an improved offer. As things stand, no formal bid has actually been submitted, and the Hammers are sticking to their demands: £65 million and not a penny less. West Ham Unmoved as Spurs Stumble on Kudus Deal According to Claret and Hugh, Tottenham had initial conversations suggesting a deal worth around £55 million (£50 million plus add-ons), but that was handled via intermediaries and never reached the level of a serious, formal offer. From the West Ham side, there’s a growing belief that Spurs aren’t fully committed to a push for Kudus. And with the Irons holding firm on their valuation, unless something significant changes, the deal appears to be going nowhere fast. Related Article: West Ham Slap ‘Tottenham Tax’ on Kudus Deal Kudus’s Representatives Pushing the Agenda The drive for any possible move seems to be coming more from Kudus’s camp than from Tottenham directly. This is reaffirmed by Fabrizio Romano revealing last week that Kudus is currently only interested in joining Spurs. “They are doing a lot of the talking,” a source told Claret and Hugh, suggesting that the player’s representatives are actively pushing for a summer transfer. This has led to suspicion within West Ham that his agents might be trying to generate interest rather than respond to it. In short, it feels more like manoeuvring from around the player than a serious move from North London. Spurs Transfer Interest Losing Steam at London Stadium Despite early whispers of Tottenham keeping tabs on the Ghanaian international, West Ham aren’t convinced Kudus is anywhere near the top of their target list. With no formal offer landed and nothing concrete emerging from Hotspur Way, some inside the club now doubt whether Spurs will return at all. Until then, West Ham’s position remains solid: pay the full £65 million or move on. Read Next: Reports Emerge of West Ham Interest in Lookman to Replace Kudus
Simon Jordan Dismisses West Ham-Spurs Rivalry in Kudus Transfer Talk
Simon Jordan has played down the idea of a fierce rivalry between West Ham and Tottenham, calling the fan outrage over Mohammed Kudus’s potential switch to Spurs exaggerated. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Crystal Palace chairman questioned why West Ham supporters were so strongly opposed to the idea. Mohammed Kudus transfer talk sparks reaction from Jordan With Tottenham launching a move for Mohammed Kudus, and West Ham reportedly rejecting a £50 million bid, fans have been vocal in their frustration at the thought of him joining Spurs. However, Jordan says the reaction is overblown. “Why are you so offended specifically?” Jordan said on talkSPORT. “Are you offended at the transfer, or are you offended at the transfer going to Spurs? There is no massive rivalry between West Ham and Tottenham, is there? They are London football clubs, they are both in the same division, but is there this massive rivalry? I don’t recall a big one.” Jordan’s take riled up plenty of fans and even sparked backlash in the media, with TottenhamHotspurNews.com branding the comments “clearly a ridiculous” take. They pointed to what they described as a “mutual disdain” between the fanbases, and how much blowback Kudus going across London has triggered, as proof of a proper rivalry. Tottenham’s Third Bid for Kudus turned down? Reports indicate West Ham have knocked back big in excess of £60 million from Spurs for Kudus, who impressed during his first season with the Hammers. The player is thought to have an £85 million release clause that is only active during the early days of July, keeping the clock ticking for any clubs keen to strike early. Spurs are expected to return with an improved offer, with Daniel Levy eager to land Kudus to excite fans and give incoming manager Thomas Frank a key addition before pre-season. A deal would make Kudus the first West Ham player to join Spurs in over a decade, with Scott Parker the last to make that move back in 2011. Ongoing tensions between Levy and Sullivan remain One potential holdup in any Kudus deal comes from the long-running tension between Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. The pair aren’t known for having a smooth working relationship, with that friction posing a challenge for direct negotiations. Still, Tottenham are believed to be leading the race for Kudus, provided they move fast enough while his release clause is in effect. For now though, it’s Simon Jordan’s comments that have stirred the most debate, adding another twist to a transfer story that’s already got tempers high on both sides of London. Related Article: West Ham Slap ‘Tottenham Tax’ on Kudus Deal
Sunderland Join Transfer Race for West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd
Last night, a fresh twist emerged in the transfer saga surrounding West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd: Championship outfit Sunderland have joined the race to sign the Moroccan international, according to journalist Santi Aouna. This surprise development comes just hours after reports claimed Marseille were leading the chase for the 29-year-old. Now, the Black Cats have tossed their name into a crowded ring that already includes Marseille, AC Milan, AS Roma, and Real Sociedad. Aguerd is still weighing up his options and has yet to decide his next move. Marseille Were Frontrunners Until Sunderland Entered the Picture Marseille had made Aguerd a top target for their summer rebuild under boss Roberto De Zerbi. With Chancel Mbemba and Luiz Felipe exiting, and defenders like Facundo Medina and CJ Egan-Riley already brought in, Aguerd was viewed as the final piece in the French club’s new-look backline. But Sunderland’s entry into the race may throw a wrench into those plans and force Marseille to act faster or revise their strategy. Sunderland’s Move Raises Eyebrows Sunderland’s sudden interest in a European-level centre-back has caught more than a few fans off guard. Aguerd, who’s featured regularly in top-level competitions and international tournaments, would represent a huge signing statement for a side still working to get back to the Premier League. It remains to be seen whether Sunderland can seriously compete with European regulars like Milan and Roma, but their pursuit shows clear ambition. Even being listed among such clubs turns heads. Milan, Roma and Real Sociedad Keeping Tabs Aguerd is not short on options. AC Milan and Roma are monitoring the situation closely, with both Serie A sides believed to have outlined internal plans should West Ham open formal negotiations. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, could see Aguerd as a natural fit, given his La Liga experience before moving to London. The growing interest across Europe signals that West Ham could soon be fielding multiple offers for the Moroccan. Aguerd Taking His Time Despite all the noise, Aguerd hasn’t made any firm decision on his future. Still under contract at West Ham until 2027, the centre-back isn’t rushing anything, and there’s been no public statement from him or the club about a potential exit. As the window heats up and more clubs show their hand, the situation is certainly one to keep a close eye on. Interesting Article: A West Ham Content Creator Is Facing Backlash After a Controversial Article
Former West Ham Striker Divin Mubama Joins Stoke on Loan from Man City
Divin Mubama, now a Manchester City player, has joined Stoke City on a season-long loan. But for many West Ham fans, his name still brings back memories of Chadwell Heath and the promise he showed in claret and blue. Once tipped as one of the most exciting academy forwards under David Moyes, Mubama’s move may not directly involve the Hammers anymore, but his progress remains a story worth watching for those who followed his early rise. Mubama’s West Ham Roots Set the Tone for His Championship Test Now 20, Mubama came through the ranks at West Ham and made an impression at both youth and senior level. He made his senior debut in 2022 during a Europa Conference League win at FCSB, then played a big part in the comeback against Burnley, pressing hard for the own goal that sealed the win. While minutes in the first team were limited, he was a standout for the U21s. Known for his constant pressing, sharp movement, and nose for goal, Mubama was never short on work rate or confidence in front of goal. He’ll wear the number nine shirt at Stoke and is expected to be a regular under Mark Robins. While he’s now on City’s books, this loan spell feels like a new chapter built on everything that started in east London. Moyes’ Words Reflect Mubama’s Character Before his exit, David Moyes made no secret of the high regard he had for Mubama. Speaking to BBC Sport in November 2023, the former Hammers boss said: “His mentality and attitude are as good as any top player. He is so determined and works incredibly hard for the team… He makes us a completely different side with his running, his pressure and the work he does off the ball.” Praise like that doesn’t come lightly. It reflected a player who wasn’t just talented but carried himself the right way, on and off the pitch. Mubama “Hungry for Goals” with Full Pre-Season at Stoke Speaking after the move was confirmed, Mubama told Stoke’s media team: “It’s important to me that we’ve got it done early so I can focus on getting a full pre-season, learning what the manager wants and how the team plays… Our fans can expect me to be very hungry, both for goals and for hard work.” That hunger is nothing new to West Ham fans. They saw it week in, week out at U21 level, where he scored 74 goals in 105 games. He’s bringing that same mindset into the Championship. All The Best Mubama Mubama might be wearing different colours now, but his story still belongs in part to West Ham. From Chadwell Heath to Premier League cameos, he’s one of the most memorable young prospects to come through in recent years. For supporters who love seeing one of their own kick on, this loan to Stoke will be watched closely. Mubama’s only 20, with everything still ahead of him, and you wouldn’t rule out seeing him back in the top flight before long.
Reports Emerge of West Ham Interest in Lookman to Replace Kudus
According to a recent report from TBR Football, West Ham United are being linked with a possible move for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, should Mohammed Kudus leave the club this summer. It’s important to stress this is purely what TBR Football are reporting right now, and it’s unclear whether there’s genuine interest or if it’s just an easy rumour to churn out with Kudus attracting attention. Tottenham Bids for Kudus Fuel the Lookman Rumour With Kudus being highly linked with a potential exit to Tottenham, the suggestion is that Lookman could step in as a replacement. But again, this only comes from TBR Football, and there’s nothing yet to suggest West Ham are seriously moving on this. In regards to Spurs’ bid for Kudus, it was reported to be £50 million up front with another £12.5 million in potential add-ons. Those bonuses are reportedly tied to major trophies like the Premier League or Champions League, which West Ham are rumoured to be viewing as unrealistic. Related Article: Tottenham’s £62.5m Kudus Offer Branded ‘Unacceptable’ by West Ham Despite the rejection, Kudus is said to be open to joining Tottenham if terms can be agreed. That has seemingly sparked these latest links with Lookman, although nothing from West Ham has suggested replacements are being lined up just yet. Lookman as Option Ademola Lookman reportedly is on West Ham’s radar as someone who could replace Kudus this summer. They describe him as a good fit in terms of profile, particularly when it comes to creativity from wide areas and support for Jarrod Bowen. The story seems to be entirely based on TBR’s claim that West Ham’s recruitment staff view him as a potential option, possibly in the event Kudus moves on. Adding to the rumour, Sky Sports Switzerland have reported that Lookman is open to a return to England. That angle may explain why this link has popped up now, but again, there’s nothing solid pointing to a genuine transfer move at this point. Lookman’s Journey Since Leaving the Premier League Lookman has come a long way since his time in the Premier League. After stints with clubs like Everton, Fulham, Leicester City, and Charlton Athletic, he signed for Atalanta in 2022. His form has been impressive since then, notching 20 goals last season across Serie A and European competitions. His transformation has made him a more well-rounded attacking threat, and the Italian side reportedly value him at around £50 million. That price tag could be a stumbling block for any club looking to snap him up this summer. Others Also Watching Lookman If West Ham were to show real interest, they might have competition. Lookman has also been loosely linked with Arsenal, though so far, no formal offers have been made public by any club. As it stands, the idea of Lookman joining West Ham seems to be based entirely on what TBR Football have suggested. There’s been no confirmation from the club itself or from Atalanta, so whether this turns into anything concrete or is just another easy rumour tied to the Kudus situation remains to be seen.
Marseille Pushing for Aguerd as West Ham Open Door for Exit
West Ham United are preparing to part ways with Nayef Aguerd this summer, with Marseille stepping up their interest in the Moroccan centre-back. The deal could mark another key departure as Graham Potter begins shaping his squad for the season ahead. Aguerd, who joined the Irons for £30 million in 2022, has struggled for consistency and game time since arriving in east London. Marseille Looking to Ligue 1 Familiarity French outlet L’Équipe reports that Marseille are prioritising Aguerd as part of their defensive rebuild. With Champions League football on the horizon, the Ligue 1 side are targeting experience, and Aguerd’s previous spell with Rennes fits the profile. A return to France looks realistic, though not straightforward. The Hammers are said to want a strong fee, and the defender’s wages are proving difficult to match. A loan with an option or obligation to buy is on the table. Read: Juventus Boss Responds to Aguerd Links Spell at Sociedad Fails to Reignite Career Aguerd spent last season at Real Sociedad but was left out of nine of their final ten La Liga squads. The loan didn’t provide the fresh start many had hoped for. Across the 2023/24 campaign, the 29-year-old recorded the following numbers (Fotmob): While composed on the ball, his physical style hasn’t quite matched the demands of English football. West Ham Set for Defensive Shake-Up Aguerd is viewed as one of several players the club are willing to move on. Potter is looking to refresh the back line, and that means letting go of names who haven’t quite worked out. WestHamZone.com report that figures at the club now consider the Aguerd deal a misstep. If Marseille can find a structure that suits all sides, West Ham are ready to move him on. Recent West Ham News: Leeds United Could Hijack Diouf Transfer from West HamInteresting Read: A West Ham Content Creator Is Facing Backlash After a Controversial Article
West Ham transfer pursuit of Yann Bisseck Looks Unlikely as Aston Villa make £30m move
West Ham are facing fresh competition in their push to sign Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck, with Aston Villa stepping in late with a £30 million offer. Bisseck, a top summer target identified by new boss Graham Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay, had been seen as a key piece in West Ham’s summer rebuild before Villa’s intervention threatened to derail those plans. Aston Villa try to hijack West Ham’s Bisseck deal with £30m offer According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa are ready to pay €35 million (£30m) for Bisseck, just as West Ham were preparing to finalise an agreement once Inter wrapped up their season. The Hammers have been linked to the German international throughout this summer transfer window, with interest dating back over a year. Sources in Italy suggest West Ham had already established a loose understanding with Inter, conditional on the Serie A side completing a deal for Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile first. But the plan hit a snag after Bisseck picked up a suspected ligament injury during the Champions League final, which could complicate both the timing and structure of any deal. Villa’s offer has quickly changed the dynamics. The bid is believed to be attractive to both Inter, who need funds for new signings, and Bisseck himself, who’s keen for regular minutes in order to work his way back into Germany’s national side. West Ham’s groundwork at risk Bisseck has been firmly on West Ham’s list for over a year, with a reported £25.5m offer rejected under the previous regime. Since Potter and Macaulay took charge, their interest has only grown stronger. Former coach David Nielsen once described the defender as the “prototype of the modern centre-back”, praising his physical traits, technical ability, and athleticism. Internally, West Ham had prioritised Bisseck as a statement signing to usher in their new era. But Villa’s sudden move, fuelled by stronger financial backing at this stage, has put the club in a tough spot as they try to keep pace without breaking their budget strategy. Different financial strategies at play Villa’s new financial flexibility comes off the back of their recent decision to sell their women’s team, a move designed to create compliance space under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. It’s a route Chelsea have also used before. West Ham haven’t taken that approach. They’re expected to wait for some key outgoings before making major moves, which leaves them vulnerable when other clubs strike quickly. Warning sign in contrasting transfer strategies While both clubs have kept a fairly steady pace in the early part of the window, the Bisseck chase is starting to show clear strategic gaps. West Ham recently secured 19-year-old striker Daniel Cummings from Celtic, while Villa picked up teen forward Zepiqueno Redmond after his Feyenoord release. The move for Bisseck, however, marks a serious test of intent. With Villa acting fast and boldly, and West Ham sticking to a more measured budget-first model, this transfer tug-of-war might not just decide where Bisseck ends up, but also hint at how the two clubs are planning to approach what could be a decisive summer.
Leeds United Could Hijack Diouf Transfer from West Ham
El Hadji Malick Diouf to West Ham United looked just about done. We even reported here on HammerBytes that talks were advanced, with Slavia Prague’s own manager coming out and saying Diouf’s departure was inevitable. Naturally, everyone assumed that meant a move to London Stadium. But things have taken a wild turn: Leeds United are trying to swoop in, and there’s a real chance they could beat West Ham to the punch. Diouf transfer threat grows as Leeds push for deal The Championship side have suddenly added Diouf to their summer shortlist, according to a report from LeedsUnited.news, in a move that seemingly comes out of nowhere. But with West Ham’s £17.25 million bid turned down, there’s now a window for Leeds to get involved and if they go all in, this transfer could flip on its head. Leeds’ pursuit of Diouf isn’t just paper talk. The 20-year-old caught plenty of eyes with his standout performance for Senegal in their recent 3-1 win over England. Lined up at left centre-back in a 3-4-3, he kept Bukayo Saka uncharacteristically quiet, something that won’t have gone unnoticed by scouts. Now, Leeds are reportedly accelerating discussions behind the scenes. Their interest is more than speculative, and with the club actively strengthening all over the pitch, Diouf fits the profile they’re after: young, versatile, and full of upside. West Ham offer rejected, Leeds ready to pounce It’s no secret West Ham had a intial bid for Diouf knocked back. That offer, including add-ons, seemed to spark optimism, with most reports suggesting a deal was all but over the line since then. We were right there with it and had every reason to believe the deal was nearing completion. But Slavia Prague are holding out for £21.6 million. The Hammers have been pushing, yes, but hesitation or an unwillingness to go higher could open the door wide for Leeds. If Leeds come in hard, possibly even meeting that full valuation, this suddenly becomes their deal to lose. Leeds’ summer window gains serious momentum Leeds aren’t messing around this summer. Their recruitment drive has already landed Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw. A deal for Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille is also said to be close, with a fee of around £8.6 million. They’re clearly aiming to beef up defensively, and Diouf’s ability to cover multiple roles across the backline and midfield makes him a perfect fit. Some comparisons have already been made to Stuart Dallas, and it’s easy to see why. West Ham may have been tracking Diouf for months, but Leeds are peaking at just the right time. After all the waiting, negotiation, and assumptions, what a blow that would be.
Tottenham’s £62.5m Kudus Offer Branded ‘Unacceptable’ by West Ham
Spurs have launched a third bid to West Ham for Mohammed Kudus worth in excess of £60 million, and although they’ve improved the timeline between payments, it’s still not hitting the mark. The offer, made up of a £50 million base and £12.5 million in add-ons, has been slammed by the Hammers board as simply “unacceptable.” Tottenham’s Add-On Structure Rejected by West Ham West Ham have made it clear they won’t entertain deals based on what they see as pure fantasy. According to Graeme Bailey, £10 million of the add-ons depend on Tottenham winning either the Premier League or the Champions League. That part of the deal has been firmly dismissed by the Irons hierarchy as pointless, with sources close to the club calling the clauses “ridiculous” and “nothing close to realistic.” While Spurs did adjust the timing of payment instalments compared to previous offers, the new structure hasn’t done nearly enough to shift West Ham’s position. Related: Fabrizio Romano Reveals Kudus Only Wants Spurs Transfer Levy’s Negotiation Approach Leaves Sullivan Frustrated According to Claret & Hugh, West Ham are growing increasingly annoyed with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s negotiation style. It’s not just about the money anymore; it’s now about the process and optics. A source close to David Sullivan said: “Levy’s playing games again, trying to work this deal out in the press instead of the boardroom.” The vibe from inside the club is simple. The club already made their stance clear by implementing a “Tottenham Tax” on any Kudus sale. However the sentiment now is that Spurs simply aren’t being serious enough, and until they come up with a straight-up cash offer that reflects Kudus’s value, there’s nothing to discuss. Kudus Sale Only Happens on West Ham’s Terms Reports suggest that West Ham would be open to a clean cash sale of just under £60 million, but are categorically ruling out any more negotiation based on sweetened but unrealistic bonuses. That puts the ball squarely in Tottenham’s court. They’ve tried three times now, and three times West Ham have shut the door. Negotiations haven’t broken down entirely, but it would take a serious shift in Tottenham’s approach to get back to the table in a meaningful way. Chelsea Keeping Tabs on the Situation Chelsea remain in the background and could jump into action if they clear space. If Noni Madueke moves on, most likely to Arsenal, Enzo Maresca is said to be keen to move for Kudus. That could spark a bidding war, just when Spurs thought they were inching closer. Kudus, for his part, hasn’t helped his case with some West Ham supporters by reportedly favouring a move to Spurs, according to separate reports earlier this week. Right now, it’s Spurs or nothing and if Tottenham really want him, they’ll have to show up with proper cash and less fantasy.
Diouf Transfer to West Ham | Slavia Prague Coach Admits Move is Inevitable
Slavia Prague head coach Jindřich Trpišovský has confirmed that the club is already preparing for life without Malick Diouf, with West Ham United pushing to complete a deal for the 20-year-old defender. Speaking via Slavia’s official media, Trpišovský made it clear that a transfer is expected imminently and that Diouf is no longer involved in regular team training. “We all suspect that the transfer will happen. It’s just a matter of time. Malick has an individual programme. We don’t want anything to happen to him,” the Slavia boss said. “We take it as if we are without him.” Slavia Prague Coach Confirms Diouf’s Likely Departure to West Ham As reported by Claret and Hugh, West Ham are said to be in advanced talks to sign the Senegalese left-sided defender, who’s seen as a high-upside signing for the London club. Combine that with Trpišovský’s comments – it reflects that Slavia consider Diouf increasingly unlikely to remain, with the club managing his workload carefully to avoid injuries before any move is complete. “Malick has extraordinary quality, but we are looking at the situation like he’s gone already,” the coach added. While neither club has publicly confirmed West Ham as the destination, all signs point strongly in that direction. West Ham in Advanced Talks But Deal Not Official Yet Despite strong indications from Slavia and growing optimism in East London, no formal announcement has been made. West Ham are understood to be leading the race, but the final terms of the transfer are still being finalised. There’s been no explicit confirmation from Slavia linking Diouf directly to West Ham, though Trpišovský’s avoidance of naming the club hasn’t stopped speculation. Diouf continues to train on his own while negotiations go on behind the scenes. Leeds United Making Late Push West Ham could still face late competition. According to report, Leeds United have made a surprise late enquiry and are attempting to hijack the move. Their interest throws a late twist into what seemed to be a straightforward path to the London Stadium. For now, it’s unclear how serious Leeds’ approach is or how it might affect West Ham’s position. Diouf Could Be West Ham’s First Summer Signing Should the Irons get the deal over the line, Diouf would become the club’s first signing of the summer. The 20-year-old, who has impressed in the Czech league with his pace, awareness, and versatility, fits the kind of young, high-potential profile the club is targeting. There’s still work to be done, but all signs from Prague suggest West Ham are on the verge of securing his signature—with the Slavia boss now all but confirming the move is only a matter of time.