David Ornstein: Kudus Back on Newcastle’s Radar After Elanga Snub
Newcastle United are weighing up a move for West Ham attacker Mohammed Kudus, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. This follows their £45 million bid for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga being knocked back. The Magpies are now exploring alternative targets, with Kudus and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo both under consideration. Forest Turn Down Newcastle’s Approach Newcastle’s offer for Elanga was swiftly rejected by Forest, who have no plans to let the winger leave. The 23-year-old had a standout season, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists in a side that finished seventh and reached the FA Cup semi-finals. Only Mohamed Salah and Jacob Murphy racked up more assists in the league. This isn’t the first time Newcastle have shown interest in Elanga. His name came up during talks with Forest last summer, though that negotiation eventually resulted in the signing of goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos instead. Forest are said to value Elanga at closer to £60 million, which marks a significant increase from the £15 million they paid Manchester United for him in 2022. Kudus on the Magpies’ Radar With Elanga out of reach for now, Ornstein reports that Kudus is being looked at as a possible solution on Newcastle’s right flank. Miguel Almirón left for Atlanta United in January, which left Jacob Murphy as the only senior option in that role. Manager Eddie Howe has made it clear he wants business wrapped up early. “Yeah, speed is key for us,” Howe said. “You can have a period where you think you’ve got time, but then… you look around very quickly and realise that time’s elapsed and you’ve missed opportunities that you won’t get again.” Newcastle are planning to complete key signings before pre-season kicks off on July 7. Their Premier League campaign begins against Aston Villa on August 16. For West Ham, Kudus could now attract summer interest following a strong debut season that saw him score 14 goals in all competitions.
West Ham Blame U21 Euros for Transfer Delay
West Ham United have attributed their sluggish start to the summer transfer window to the ongoing UEFA Under-21 European Championship, according to reports from Hammers News, KUMB, and ExWHUemployee. Key Targets Still in Action Several of the Irons’ top targets are currently involved in the U21 Euros, which concludes this weekend. The club’s recruitment team, led by new head coach Graham Potter and Head of Recruitment Kyle Macaulay, are said to be focusing on younger talent. Many of those players are competing in Slovakia and remain unavailable for discussions until their international duties are complete. This strategy is in line with Potter’s wider vision for a youth-focused rebuild at the London Stadium. But the delay in action hasn’t gone down well with everyone. Fans Question the Hold-Up While the club’s explanation may be valid on paper, some fans aren’t entirely convinced. Damien Charles Lucas of Hammers News highlights growing supporter frustration, with suggestions that the U21 tournament is being used as a convenient excuse to mask deeper issues. After a disappointing run of just 15 wins from the last 57 Premier League matches, many fans are calling for more urgency in the transfer market. The feeling is that excuses are wearing thin. Rebuild Hinges on Sales Club owners have already made it clear: new signings will only happen if players are sold to raise funds. That puts added pressure on the success of any youth-driven recruitment efforts. Two arrivals are expected to be announced on July 1 — one striker and one midfielder. However, beyond those deals, the club’s ability to move quickly after the U21 tournament ends will be crucial. Final Stretch of U21 Euros With England, France, Germany and the Netherlands still in the competition, several West Ham targets remain off-limits. How fast the Hammers act once those teams are eliminated could determine the direction of the rest of their summer window.
Juventus Boss Responds to Aguerd Links
Juventus manager Igor Tudor has responded to reports linking West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd with a move to Turin, according to Moroccan outlet Analkhabar. His comments come as both Juventus and AS Roma have reportedly made bids for the Moroccan international, with West Ham expected to offload the defender this summer. Speaking to Analkhabar, Tudor said, “I can’t talk about the transfer market. But I have great respect for Moroccan players. They have a strong personality that distinguishes them on the field, in addition to their great technical talents.” While Tudor didn’t name Aguerd directly, the remarks were taken by some to hint at the 28-year-old, who’s seen as a potential target for Juventus. Roma Ahead in the Race? Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that both Roma and Juventus have submitted offers for Aguerd. Roma’s bid is believed to be around £15 million, slightly higher than the one from Juventus. West Ham are open to Aguerd’s departure and, as per Hammers News, may accept considerably less than the £30 million paid to Rennes in 2022. The Moroccan has struggled to find consistency in East London, with spells of good form offset by injuries and a largely uneventful loan at Real Sociedad. West Ham Targeting Summer Rebuild With Graham Potter now leading the club, West Ham are reportedly aiming to raise between £15 to £20 million from Aguerd’s sale, according to Hammers News. That money would then go straight into summer transfers. The club have already begun shortlisting replacements and reinforcements across the pitch. West Ham had contact with Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale a month ago, while Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been identified as a top midfield target by head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay. Up front, the scouting focus includes Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha and Galatasaray attacker Baris Alper Yilmaz. Juve Could Offer Rugani in Swap Deal Di Marzio also reports that Juventus may look to include Daniele Rugani in a potential swap for Aguerd. Rugani, a five-time Serie A title-winner, has seen limited game time recently and could give West Ham experience at the back if included in a deal. However, the idea hasn’t landed universally well in Turin. Some Juventus fans would reportedly prefer to see a player like Lloyd Kelly, previously of Bournemouth and Newcastle, involved instead. As the summer window edges closer, West Ham are expected to clarify Aguerd’s future soon, with other transfer business likely to follow quickly.
West Ham Eye £25m Move for Dewsbury-Hall
West Ham are reportedly closing in on a £25 million deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, according to West Ham Zone. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and the Hammers are keen to bring him in as part of Graham Potter’s reshuffle in east London. Chelsea Willing to Sell Football commentator Ian Darke, speaking to West Ham Zone, said that Chelsea appear open to cutting their losses on Dewsbury-Hall, who cost them around £30 million. “They are talking about Dewsbury-Hall going from Chelsea to West Ham,” he said. “I think he’s been unlucky not to see more minutes than he has.” Dewsbury-Hall made just a handful of appearances for Chelsea last season, after being a key figure at Leicester before his move. His struggle for game time has reportedly opened the door for a transfer. Potter Aiming for Midfield Boost West Ham are in the market for midfield reinforcements following a frustrating Premier League campaign. With doubts over the futures of Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez, bringing in fresh legs has become a clear priority. Darke believes Dewsbury-Hall could be a strong fit. “He would give West Ham’s midfield a bit more of that dynamic quality it lacks,” he said. “So he would be quite a good buy.” There were rumours of a potential swap deal involving Mohammed Kudus, but Darke suggested a straight cash deal is far more likely. “Kudus is the type of player you want to keep on board,” he added. Deal Could Progress Quickly Given his lack of involvement at Chelsea, Dewsbury-Hall is expected to welcome a move. West Ham Zone reports that the Hammers are now at the front of the queue, with the deal aligning with Potter’s goal of adding energy and technical ability to his midfield options. Negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage heading into the summer window. Chelsea are reportedly prepared to agree to the £25 million price tag.
West Ham Shift Focus Away from Kyle Walker-Peters
West Ham United are no longer actively pursuing Kyle Walker-Peters this summer, according to ExWHUEmployee via The West Ham Way. Despite previous interest in the Southampton full-back, the club’s new leadership team is said to be looking elsewhere. Walker-Peters Dropped Down the List ExWHUEmployee reports that incoming manager Graham Potter and new technical director Tim Macaulay don’t see Walker-Peters as a current priority. “Although he is a free agent, Potter and Macaulay have others ahead of him and at this stage a move for the player is unlikely,” The 27-year-old, who started out at Tottenham before moving to Southampton, has experience playing on both flanks. His versatility has reportedly caught the attention of a number of Premier League sides. Other Clubs Now Leading the Chase Walker-Peters is thought to be drawing interest from Fulham, Crystal Palace, Everton and Tottenham, according to the same report. With that level of competition and West Ham changing direction, the chances of him ending up at the London Stadium seem slim. Player Sales Still Take Priority ExWHUEmployee also notes that West Ham are currently more focused on outgoings rather than splashing out on new signings. A club source told them the market remains “slow”, and that selling players is the priority for now. That approach could delay further signings until a few more spots open up.
Onana Explains Why He Chose Everton Over West Ham in 2022
Amadou Onana has revealed why he turned down a move to West Ham United in favour of signing for Everton back in the summer of 2022. In an interview with Inside Scoop, the midfielder pointed to then-Everton manager Frank Lampard as the decisive factor. “When I say every day, it was like two, three times a day,” Onana said. “Frank Lampard is calling my phone? This is crazy. Obviously, it’s hard to say no to him. As a midfielder, I knew I could learn a lot from him. I had to give in.” West Ham Were in the Race According to Everton.news, both West Ham and Everton were serious contenders for Onana’s signature at the time. On August 3, 2022, Sky Sports reported that West Ham had agreed a deal with Lille worth around €40 million including add-ons. But despite that, Onana opted to join Everton in a deal worth £33.5 million. Lampard’s influence appears to have been the key. With his legendary status as a former England and Chelsea midfielder, he clearly appealed to a young talent aiming to develop in the same role. Onana was just 20 at the time and considered one of Europe’s most promising midfielders. Two Years Later: Villa Move and PSR Pressure Fast forward two seasons, and Onana made another big switch—this time to Aston Villa for a fee of £50 million. His start at Villa Park has been hampered by injuries, but Everton.news reports that Everton included a sell-on clause in the deal, meaning they could benefit financially if he’s sold again. With Villa now facing Profitability and Sustainability Rule (PSR) pressures, rumours of player sales have surfaced. Onana’s name has once again appeared in the conversation—and given West Ham’s long-standing interest and his continued development in the Premier League, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Hammers are keeping a close eye on what happens next.
Leeds Could Hijack Mario Stroeykens Move to West Ham Deal
West Ham have made the first official move for Mario Stroeykens, submitting an £8.5 million bid for the highly rated 19-year-old Anderlecht winger. But their pursuit may not go uncontested. Sources close to LeedsUnited.news suggest Leeds had already held talks for Stroeykens earlier this month, though the club opted to focus on other targets at the time. Now, with West Ham testing the waters, there’s a real possibility Leeds could re-enter the race. West Ham Lead, But for How Long? Anderlecht are believed to be holding out for closer to £17 million. Whether West Ham will increase their bid remains unclear, but the door is now slightly ajar for other clubs to act – and Leeds could yet take advantage. Despite shifting attention elsewhere, Stroeykens remains on Leeds’ radar. He racked up 12 goal contributions in the 2024–25 season and is viewed as one of the brightest talents to emerge from Anderlecht’s academy, which previously produced Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans. Belgian Links Strengthen Leeds’ Case Leeds’ broader focus on the Belgian market gives this potential hijack some weight. The club have been linked with several names from the Jupiler Pro League in recent months, including Kasper Dolberg, Noah Sadiki, and Raphael Onyedika. Much could now hinge on the direction of academy boss Adam Underwood. If he reignites interest in Stroeykens, Leeds may look to match or even outbid West Ham, especially if the Hammers hesitate over Anderlecht’s valuation. For now, West Ham are the only ones at the table with a bid. But Leeds are watching – and they might not stay quiet for long.
Liverpool Move for Tyler Dibling Puts End to Any West Ham Hopes
Liverpool are ready to meet Southampton’s £51 million asking price for Tyler Dibling, all but ending West Ham United’s pursuit of the 19-year-old winger, according to Hammers News. The Reds’ firm interest comes just months after West Ham began closely tracking the teenager, who has impressed during a tough season in the Championship. West Ham’s recruitment lead, Kyle Macaulay, is understood to rate Dibling highly, with manager Graham Potter also admiring the Saints talent. Both reportedly saw Dibling as a long-term replacement for Mohammed Kudus. Liverpool’s Spending Power Leaves West Ham Behind As reported by Hammers News, Liverpool stepping up with a concrete bid has knocked West Ham out of contention. One source told the outlet that the amount Liverpool are prepared to spend “blows the Irons out of the water”. Former striker Gabby Agbonlahor had commented earlier in the year that a move to Anfield might be “too big” for Dibling at this stage. He suggested a more gradual step, such as joining West Ham, may have been better for his development. But new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who has taken over from Jurgen Klopp, is said to be a strong admirer of the winger. Slot’s backing, coupled with Liverpool’s push to invest in emerging talent following last season’s Premier League title win, seems to have made the difference. West Ham Face Familiar Obstacle in Financial Gap The report brings into focus the financial gap between clubs like Liverpool and West Ham. While the Irons continue to work under tighter budget constraints and may need to sell before buying, Liverpool can spend freely on high-upside players. There has been talk that Kudus could even be among those sold to raise funds, particularly with interest from several top European sides. Liverpool had also kept tabs on the Ghanaian international, but their focus now seems fixed on finalising the Dibling deal. If players like Luis Diaz or Harvey Elliott were to leave, it could make space for Dibling to break into the first team more quickly. Who is Dibling? Dibling, formerly on Chelsea’s books, has built a strong reputation for himself at Southampton. He’s considered one of the best young attacking players in the country. Russell Martin, who coached him at St Mary’s, once said the teenager “will go on to be one of the best players around for club and country.” Those words may now be tested at Anfield, where opportunity and expectation will both be huge. For West Ham, this likely means returning to the drawing board in their search for young, forward-thinking wide options this summer.
Another João Palhinha Link
West Ham United’s pursuit of João Palhinha has gathered fresh momentum, with The 4th Official now echoing previous claims that the Hammers are targeting a summer move for the Bayern Munich midfielder. The 29-year-old is reportedly on a shortlist drawn up by new manager Graham Potter as part of his midfield rebuild. Palhinha, who joined Bayern from Fulham last summer, has endured a difficult spell in Germany, struggling to cement his place in the starting eleven. That has opened the door for a potential return to the Premier League, with both West Ham and his former club Fulham said to be monitoring the situation closely. Potter’s Preferred Target? According to The 4th Official, who cite earlier reporting from Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Graham Potter is already urging the West Ham board to move decisively for Palhinha. The new boss is understood to be a strong admirer of the Portuguese international, valuing his strength, tactical discipline, and leadership qualities. Palhinha’s previous Premier League experience with Fulham could help him settle quickly under Potter. The report highlights his ability to control the tempo, add structure, and bring a calming presence in midfield – traits that were arguably missing from West Ham’s setup last season. Financial Roadblock? One concern remains the fee. Bayern are expected to demand over £47 million for Palhinha, a price that may give West Ham pause given his age and the club’s need to strengthen in multiple areas. Nonetheless, the reports suggest Palhinha is firmly among Potter’s top targets. Securing him early in the window would offer valuable pre-season integration time and provide a ready-made anchor in midfield. As it stands, neither West Ham nor Bayern Munich have commented publicly on the rumours – but the noise around this one is only getting louder.
Emerson Palmieri to Lazio Moves Forward with Price Tag Set
Lazio are circling West Ham’s Emerson Palmieri ahead of a potential summer move, with reports in Italy suggesting the Serie A side are preparing to act. Maurizio Sarri, recently reappointed as manager, is said to be driving a defensive change up and wants a familiar face. According to TheLaziali.com, Emerson is one of several names under consideration as Lazio look to sort out their left-back situation. Nuno Tavares could be on his way out, and alongside Emerson, the Italian side are also eyeing Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell and Genoa’s Aaron Martin. West Ham Open to €10M Sale La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that West Ham would accept an offer in the region of €10 million. Emerson has one year left on his deal, with an option for another, but the signs are pointing towards a summer exit. Fabrizio Romano recently said he’s almost certain to leave, and Lazio have emerged as strong contenders. The move could also hinge on Tavares. Lazio have already rejected a bid from Al-Hilal for the Portuguese defender but might let him go if someone meets their €40 million asking price. Juventus are reportedly also quietly watching both situations, which is interesting because recently Aguerd has been linked with Juve. Finally, a Fair Deal for West Ham? Here’s the thing: €10 million for Emerson is actually a pretty solid fee. He’s been reliable since arriving in 2022, and he still carries decent value. That price feels fair. Not a bargain, not a rip-off, just good business all around. And that’s not something we say often about West Ham when it comes to selling players. Too often we let them go for nothing, or close to it. So the idea that we might get proper value for someone like Emerson? It’s strange, and to be honest, I’ll believe it when I see it. Sarri Reunion a Driving Force The Sarri connection makes a lot of sense here. He managed Emerson at Chelsea during the 2018/19 season and clearly rates him. Emerson also knows Italian football well, having played for both Roma and Palermo earlier in his career. Lazio’s Sporting Director Angelo Fabiani is reportedly leading the push. As it stands, there’s no formal bid from Lazio, but the noise out of Italy is growing. If that €10 million lands on the table, West Ham probably will not stand in the way.