West Ham United are hopeful of adding some new faces before the Premier League season begins and could be about to up the ante in pursuit of a hot prospect, according to reports.
West Ham United close in on Callum Wilson deal
Following his departure from Newcastle United, free agent striker Callum Wilson is in talks over a move to West Ham to offer experience and depth within Graham Potter’s forward line.
Speaking about his next move, the England cap has claimed he still has ‘so much to give’ at the top level despite doubts from some given his age and scoring record of late.
He stated: “I am 33. I have still got so much to give in the game. I feel mentally and physically still able to more than contribute in however many games in a season.
“It is just difficult, you are playing at a club when you have got arguably one of the best strikers in world football at the moment, in the form of Alex Isak, to break in is difficult. I am never one who shies away from a fight, I would happily be there to push and take my opportunity when it arose, but it just didn’t seem to arise in the back end of the season.”
Aside from the Hammers’ pursuit of a forward, Michael Cooper has been identified as a goalkeeping target for West Ham after his excellent form at Sheffield United.
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Following Mohammed Kudus’ sale to Tottenham, West Ham are keen to sign a “brilliant talent” worth £23m to bolster Graham Potter’s attacking options.
Alphonse Areola may well be replaced, though could another figure from the Championship be the man to offer a challenge between the sticks at the London Stadium?
West Ham United preparing bid for Pierce Charles
According to The Star, West Ham are readying a bid for Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles and could look to test the Owls’ resolve in light of their present financial troubles.
Nevertheless, the Championship outfit are unlikely to entertain an approach, with the Northern Ireland international not only viewed as their number one this term, but a player who could grow considerably in value before they sanction a future sale.
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Pierce Charles in the Championship – key statistics in 2024/25 |
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Save percentage |
66.7% |
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Clean sheets |
0 |
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xG prevented |
2.14 |
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High claims |
11 |
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Pass accuracy |
76.3% |
Labelled “excellent” by national boss Michael O’Neill, the 20-year-old managed a solitary clean sheet across 13 outings in all competitions, though his potential is there for all to see at Hillsborough.
With two years left on his deal, it remains to be seen if West Ham could tempt Sheffield Wednesday into a sale. The second-tier outfit need funds to tie them over until any potential takeover. Still, the Owls also don’t want to run the risk of relegation.
The Hammers are trying to recover from flying a little too close to the sun themselves, so it makes sense if they are now focusing the bulk of their activity on securing stars with potential to develop over the coming years.
