Fabrizio Romano has very good news for West Ham from Chelsea about star fans want

If the Hammers thought their nine signings at £155m was impressive, Chelsea purchased 13 at a cost in excess of £250m.

Both rebuilds have been a work in progress.

But it is clear Chelsea’s has been more successful than West Ham’s thus far.

The Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League and Julen Lopetegui is fighting to save his job.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are third and on course to get themselves back into the Champions League.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca, the former West Ham assistant manager, has been hailed for the job he is doing at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham’s big issues are in midfield and up front.

There is a problem that has emerged in east London which nobody saw coming, though.

And it needs to be addressed in the summer – if not January.

It’s a problem shared with London rivals Chelsea and that may have put the two clubs on a collision course.

That problem is the very important position of goalkeeper.

Romano has very good news for West Ham from Chelsea

Now Fabrizio Romano has very good news for West Ham from Chelsea about star fans want.

Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has made it clear he wants to leave Liverpool to be a number one somewhere else.

That news has seen him linked with a host of clubs including West Ham.

When Hammers fans got wind of that, they were very keen.

But then Chelsea came into the equation and that usually means only one thing.

West Ham went into the season with fan favourite Alphonse Areola as number one backed up by experienced veteran Lukasz Fabianski and seasoned pro Wes Foderingham who had arrived on a free transfer.

Three experienced goalkeepers with plenty of talent there.

So nobody imagined that would become a major priority for West Ham.

Areola has proved quite injury prone and was dropped as a result of his poor form recently.

Fabianski remains an excellent goalkeeper. But he turns 40 this season and his lack of ability on the ball makes it difficult to build out from the back.

West Ham fans feel they need a new number one soon.

Kelleher wants to be number one and Hammers like the idea

So news Kelleher is going to be available seemed like perfect timing for the Hammers.

The 25-year-old stopper has seriously impressed while covering for Alisson as Liverpool lead the way in the Premier League and Europe.

Kelleher knows he is too good to be a number two goalkeeper and when speaking to The Times, he admitted that he knows he will always be number two at Anfield, as long as Alisson is there.

Chelsea’s reported interest look certain to end any West Ham interest in Kelleher before it got up a head of steam.

Cue Romano to save those hopes.

The transfer reporter has spoken out about claims Kelleher could join the Blues.

And Romano insists they’re not true.

“Chelsea are currently not working on deal to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, despite recent links,” Romano said.

“No discussions with any other goalkeeper at this stage.”

Chelsea have cleared the path for West Ham

Areola is undoubtedly a very agile and top quality shot-stopper.

In 31 Premier League games for West Ham last season, the French number three made 138 saves, 11 punches, 20 high claims, four catches, four sweeper clearances and saved two penalties.

But Areola does not command the area as well as he should do at 6ft 5in tall.

Kelleher may not have Areola’s frame, but he does command his box with real authority. He is also exceptional at claiming crosses.

He communicates with his defenders well, another element many feel is lacking in Areola’s game.

Kelleher is confident with the ball at his feet too.

Easy to see why Chelsea were linked given serious doubts over Robert Sanchez.

But Romano says Maresca’s side are not in the mix and that can only be great news for the Hammers.

Three key areas need to be addressed at the London Stadium as a top priority. Striker, midfield and goalkeeper.

It’s imperative the Hammers get it right.

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