West Ham hold ‘initial talks’ with Man Utd as they look to secure a possible deal for Scott McTominay this summer, according to reports.
The Hammers are looking to boost the quality in their midfield after selling star player Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m earlier this month.
That fee should see David Moyes’ side – who won the Europa Conference League last season – be competitive in the transfer market with two top British talents currently on their radar.
Sky Sports reported earlier today that Chelsea turned down West Ham’s opening offer for Conor Gallagher worth £40m with ‘a gap in valuation’.
The Blues value the England international ‘well in excess of £40m’ and it is understood that ‘any potential departure would likely have to be driven by Gallagher himself’.
West Ham are now ‘weighing up whether to go in with an improved offer’ but new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino ‘is planning for him to be part of the squad next season’.
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After losing Rice, West Ham ‘would ideally like to sign two replacements in the position’ with Scotland international McTominay firmly on their radar.
Sky Sports report:
‘West Ham have held initial talks with Manchester United over the signing of Scott McTominay.
‘However, the early suggestions indicate a gap in valuations, with United viewing McTominay as a top player and very important member of the squad.
‘For United to even consider a sale, it would require a “very big offer”.’
Five more midfielders are named as potential targets with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, Juventus’ Denis Zakaria, Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, Ajax’s Edson Alvarez and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha all mooted.
In an open letter to the West Ham fans, Rice insisted that his ambition to play “at the very highest level” was behind his “tough” decision to leave.
Rice said: “I want you to know how tough a decision it has been for me to leave an environment that I have loved and cherished so much. This club and its supporters will always be in my heart, and forever a part of who I am.
“Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game. Playing on the opposite team to West Ham for the first time will be an unusual experience.
“I’m not sure yet exactly how I will feel, but I also know you will all understand and respect that my professional loyalties have to now lie with my new club.”