West Ham United are being linked with a number of players as the transfer window activity increases, with the latest name in the frame being Dutch defender Rav van den Berg. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been tied to 26 possible arrivals and 9 potential exits. The hottest storyline right now is about Arne Engels, and below is the latest news on some of the most important transfer rumours surrounding the club.
Rav van den Berg
On Friday, it was reported that West Ham United are interested in signing 22-year-old Netherlands youth international Rav van den Berg from FC Koln. Everton and Serie A club Atalanta are also interested in the player. The Bundesliga club would prefer to keep the defender for at least one more season but would be open to a sale for a bid of approximately €15-20 million. West Ham are considering signing a centre-back because of the uncertain futures of Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos, and the club has the financial capacity to meet Koln's valuation. Atalanta could use the prospect of European football to attract the player.
Jamie Vardy
It was reported on Tuesday that Jamie Vardy is returning to the Premier League and is signing for West Ham after leaving Italy. A day earlier, on Monday, the Daily Mail reported that West Ham had asked for information about the forward, who is a free agent after a season at Cremonese. The club could move for Vardy if their pursuit of Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar is unsuccessful. The player is considering his next destination, with West Ham among the clubs ready to offer him an opportunity in the UK.
Troy Parrott
On Friday, it was reported that West Ham United is still interested in Troy Parrott. According to Noordhollands Dagblad, it is possible that the player will have to undergo a medical examination at another club, and AZ is not taking any risks with him regarding that possibility. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, it was reported that Dutch side AZ Alkmaar are seeking a fee of €20 million (£17 million) for the 24-year-old. According to Sky Sports, the Eredivisie club has rejected an initial offer from the Hammers. As per reports in the Netherlands, the AZ hierarchy insist they will not approve the departure of the player unless their full valuation is met. On the same day, Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported that Parrott has already agreed to join West Ham and is intent on the move, but is in an uncertain situation because the clubs have yet to agree a fee.
Edvin Austbø
On Thursday, after West Ham had a bid for Edvin Austbø rejected amid Viking's upcoming Champions League qualifiers, the player stated he does not know how big the bid was or how much Viking are demanding. Austbø said that he considers West Ham an interesting club and indicated that he wants to leave now if a suitable opportunity arises. A day earlier, it was reported that West Ham are seriously interested in the 21-year-old Norwegian winger and made an approach to sign him from Viking FK. The club offered €9.1 million, but the proposal was rejected.
Reiss Nelson
On Friday, it was reported that Arsenal's Reiss Nelson could be the next player to sign a contract with West Ham United this summer, with a belief he may join in the coming days following progress in financial negotiations. According to BBC reporter Sami Mokbel, Nelson could join for a fee of around £3m. This followed conflicting reports from Thursday, when BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel stated that Arsenal were in discussions regarding a permanent transfer, while Claret & Hugh reported that West Ham had withdrawn from a deal due to concerns over the 26-year-old’s fitness record.
Harry Amass
Manchester United have set an asking price of £6 million for their young English player, Harry Amass, it was reported on Thursday. West Ham may seek a deal for the 19-year-old left-back, but a move depends on the potential sale of El Hadji Malick Diouf. In addition to West Ham, clubs such as Burnley, Stoke City, and Birmingham City have also been associated with an interest in the defender.
Jordan James
On Wednesday, it was reported that while Jordan James has been strongly linked with West Ham, it appears that the player will not be joining them. This came a day after reports stated James is back at Rennes, with West Ham and Saints interested in him alongside two Premier League clubs. Rennes now sets the price for James after Leicester let a buy option they had on him last season lapse.
For all the latest news, check out the West Ham United club page.
