West Ham remain the frontrunners in the race to sign Mads Hermansen, despite Newcastle now considering a move for the Leicester City goalkeeper. The Irons are pushing forward with goalkeeper talks this week, aiming to prioritise a new number one before the new season kicks off.

That focus has only intensified in recent days, with a key West Ham ownership spokesman confirming to @HammersDotNews: “We are working hard on a new goalkeeper this week. We want to get that sorted as a priority next and we are very short in that position.”

Newcastle enter the frame for Hermansen but West Ham remain confident

Hermansen has been on West Ham’s radar for months and is understood to be highly rated by new coach Casper Ankergren, who worked closely with the Dane at Brøndby. The Hammers had seemed in pole position to secure his signing, but now face late pressure from Newcastle.

According to journalist Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko), the Magpies are showing interest in Hermansen after missing out on James Trafford. Having failed to land the young keeper from Burnley, Newcastle are offering Hermansen a shot at Champions League football and a starting role at St. James’ Park.

Still, West Ham sources maintain they are ahead in the queue, assuming Leicester reduce their current £25 million valuation. If that fee drops, talks are poised to progress quickly.

Related: West Ham Target Mads Hermansen in Loan-to-Buy Transfer Talks

Michael Cooper named as strong alternative target

With Hermansen not yet over the line, West Ham are actively exploring backup options. One name now moving up the list is Michael Cooper, who recently joined Sheffield United from Plymouth.

Cooper, also 25, is drawing strong interest from the Irons. Nixon reports that the club sees him as a viable second option should a Hermansen move stall, and importantly, Cooper is said to prefer a switch to London rather than play backup at Everton.

Cooper is represented by Will Salthouse, a familiar figure in West Ham transfer dealings, and is thought to be valued at around £15 million. Club insiders say his profile fits well with what Graham Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay are looking for.

Goalkeeper search now a top-level priority at West Ham

The message from the top is clear: West Ham are treating the goalkeeper signing as urgent business.

Following a preseason 2-1 defeat to Manchester United where Alphonse Areola was at fault for both goals, and with Lukasz Fabianski now gone, the club find themselves dangerously short in one of the most important positions on the pitch.

Recruitment sources say an agreement could come within days, as the club looks to get a new number one in place early enough to settle into Potter’s system.

Zion Suzuki still monitored, but price may be too high

Zion Suzuki continues to be monitored by West Ham, but there’s growing doubt about whether a move will materialise. The Japanese international, currently playing at Parma, holds a £30 million valuation which is proving difficult for the Irons to justify.

While Suzuki remains part of ongoing discussions, he’s viewed more as an outside option unless a breakthrough can be made on the fee.

West Ham feel the pressure to get transfer over the line

With Newcastle and Everton circling shared goalkeeper targets, West Ham are keen to act fast. Preseason is already underway and the need for a commanding presence between the sticks is more apparent than ever.

Whether it’s Hermansen, Cooper, or even a surprise new name, West Ham know they can’t afford to wait much longer. The window may have started slowly, but the pace is picking up fast.

In other news, a top club source has revealed the set price tag for Lucas Paqueta, should a move away from the London stadium happen.