West Ham United remain keen on Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with Nottingham Forest making the 24-year-old their top transfer target this summer, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.
Despite Forest pushing hard for a deal, the Hammers are still tracking the situation and considering a move as part of their summer business.
Ramsey, valued at around £30 million, could be on the move as Villa look to stay within Profit and Sustainability Rules. While Forest are currently in pole position, West Ham are firmly in the mix.
Nottingham Forest Make Jacob Ramsey Priority Signing
Per McGrath, Forest have identified Ramsey as their main focus for this transfer window.
Talks are ongoing, and they are looking to strike a deal ahead of any rivals. Everton have also shown interest, but it’s West Ham who continue to keep a close watch in case Villa open the door to negotiations.
Ramsey is a product of Villa’s academy, which means any transfer would be logged as pure profit. Financially, a sale makes sense for Unai Emery’s side as they balance spending and squad depth heading into another European campaign.
West Ham Transfer Plans Include Midfield Reinforcements
With funds available this summer, West Ham are looking at several positions, including midfield, as Graham Potter shapes his squad. The club received a significant boost from Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million recent sale to Tottenham, though about £17 million of that has now been spent on El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.
That still leaves room to go after targets like Ramsey, who fits the bill as both a long-term asset and a potential short-term contributor. He’s seen as someone who can step in if Lucas Paqueta leaves, with Flamengo maintaining interest and the FA investigation into the Brazilian ongoing.
Villa Open to Ramsey Sale as FFP Considerations Bite
Although Aston Villa aren’t actively pushing Ramsey out, they are open to offers if the right bid comes along. A figure of around £30 million could be enough to persuade them to cash in, especially given the homegrown midfielder’s appeal on the balance sheet.
Versatile across midfield and capable of playing as a No.10 or wide forward, Ramsey offers plenty to any side aiming to boost attacking options. His profile makes him an attractive target not just for Forest, but also for a reshaping West Ham squad.
Ramsey Still on West Ham’s Radar Despite Forest Lead
Ramsey remains a player West Ham admire. At 24, with Premier League experience and a strong pedigree from England’s youth setup, he fits the profile of what Potter wants to bring into the club.
While Forest have made the first move, the Hammers’ longstanding interest means this transfer race isn’t over yet. If Villa are truly open to selling, West Ham may yet look to make their move.
In other West Ham transfer news, the hammers are thought to be stepping up in their pursuit for Liverpool’s Tyler Morton.
