West Ham United have switched their focus in the transfer market, with Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber now under consideration.
The change comes after the Irons pulled back from Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes due to his high valuation.
Fernandes Deal Stalls Leads to Timber Interest
Fernandes had been one of the main targets in recent weeks. West Ham even returned with an improved bid of £30 million plus £2 million in add-ons, having previously offered £28 million plus £2 million. However, as reported by Jacob Steinberg, Southampton made clear they are not selling at that price, leading the Irons to look elsewhere.
On the same day, The Guardian revealed that Timber has become a serious option as the club continue to seek midfield reinforcements. The twenty-four-year-old has only one year left on his deal in Rotterdam and has rejected multiple extension offers.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf note that Timber has been eyeing a move to the Premier League throughout the summer. His situation has put Feyenoord under pressure to consider a sale rather than risk losing him for free next year.
Timber’s Feyenoord Situation
Feyenoord boss Robin Van Persie recently stripped Timber of the captaincy and gave it to Sem Steijn. He explained the decision was tied to Timber’s refusal to sign a new deal.
Despite the contract standoff, Timber has remained a regular starter. Earlier in the year, he suffered an external lateral ligament injury in February that required surgery and ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Deal Linked to Alvarez Future
The Guardian highlight that West Ham’s move for Timber is also linked to the future of Edson Álvarez.
According to ESPN, Álvarez wanted to rejoin Ajax earlier this summer, but the Dutch side were unable to raise the funds. Fenerbahçe then stepped in and are now close to completing a deal, with Porto and Borussia Dortmund also circling.
Should Álvarez leave, the Irons plan to bring in two midfielders before the transfer window closes. Timber is one of the players firmly in the frame.
Other Midfield Options
Reports suggest Timber is not the only option being lined up.
The Hammers have already made a bid for Barcelona’s Marc Casado. Lille’s Ngal’ayel Mukau and Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid are also on the list of alternatives.
Competition for Timber
Timber’s situation has drawn attention across the Premier League.
Arsenal are among the clubs interested, with his twin brother Jurrien Timber already part of their squad.
Related Article: “TRANSFER CRAZY” | West Ham Submit Triple Midfield Bid as Transfer Push Intensifies
