Marco Silva was bullish about West Ham’s interest in Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz but it seems it was just brinkmanship.
There is a parallel universe where Marco Silva is managing West Ham right now rather than Fulham.
West Ham majority owner David Sullivan is a huge fan of the Portuguese.
But not enough to persuade Sullivan to part with £13.5m in compensation to bring him to the London Stadium both when he was replacing David Moyes and then Julen Lopetegui.
Free agent Graham Potter got the gig instead.
Not that anyone at West Ham is complaining with supporters suitably impressed by what they’ve seen and heard from Potter in his first week.
There was no lack of irony that one of the new West Ham manager’s first assignments was to take on Silva when the Hammers played Fulham on Tuesday night.
An injury-ravaged West Ham rode their luck as they beat the Cottagers 3-2.
And Silva had plenty to say after the game about how lucky the Irons had been to emerge victorious.
Potter didn’t see things the same way, highlighting that it was his side’s pressing which forced Fulham errors for two of West Ham’s goals.
West Ham make mockery of Fulham boss Silva
Once Silva had washed down his sour grapes with a pint of bitter, he was back in front of the press again yesterday.
West Ham eyes were on his press conference given the club’s sudden links to Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz.
The Hammers were linked with the 23-year-old Brazilian forward ahead of the game.
Muniz was a key player for Fulham last season, netting 10 goals.
But he’s been consigned to a bench role for much of this term and is reportedly keen to move away in search of more game time.
With West Ham losing Niclas Fullkrug for another three months and being without Michail Antonio for the remainder of his current contract, there will be plenty of that if Muniz was to join.
Potter set tongues wagging when he and Muniz’s compatriot Lucas Paqueta were seen chatting and sharing a joke on the pitch after the victory over Fulham.
The inference is that agent Paqueta told Potter Muniz wants to join.
The Hammers are desperately searching for a new striker in the January transfer window.
West Ham revealed earlier this week that Potter wasn’t overly keen on striker options presented to him thus far.
But it seems Muniz gets his approval.
Because West Ham have made a mockery of Silva to close in on Fulham star Muniz.
Hammers close in on deal with Fulham for Muniz
Responding to claims of West Ham’s interest in signing Muniz during his press conference, Silva told the Hammers not to bother picking up the phone.
“No (contact from West Ham) at all,” Silva said.
“We are not even open to listen to anything about Rodrigo. No one has contacted us because it will be a quick and easy answer from ourselves. No chance at all to even start to talk.”
But now, just 24 hours later, it seems the conversation is a lot longer and more productive than Silva imagined it would be.
Because the Irons are said to be locked in talks with the Cottagers over a loan deal with a set £30m option to buy included.
That’s according to transfer specialist Rudy Galetti and Brazilian journalist Bruno Lemos.
Galetti and Lemos even claim developments are expected soon over a deal.
“Negotiations started between West Ham Fulham for the possible transfer of the Brazilian player Rodrigo Muniz,” Galetti said.
“Talks are now based on a loan with a buy option set at £30m.
“Developments are expected soon.”
Of all the striker options being linked, Muniz is the one West Ham fans are most excited about.
Strong, quick, skilful and Premier League tested, the former Flamengo star has all the attributes West Ham are sorely lacking up front.
He is also the right profile for the club given Potter is keen to bring down the age of what is officially the Premier League’s oldest squad.
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