As per 90min reporter Toby Cudworth, writing on his personal Twitter account, some major transfer news has come out of West Ham involving Leeds United star Raphinha.
The Lowdown: West Ham set for crunch end…
David Moyes has just a few short days to land his preferred transfer targets and give West Ham a much better chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
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The Scotsman’s side fight on far more fronts compared to 2020/2021 as they remain in contention for a shot at Europa League glory as well as having to contend with FA Cup matches.
Head of recruitment Rob Newman, as a result, is reportedly seeking a new centre-half and forward for Moyes as January draws to a close.
The Irons are currently in talks for both defender Duje Caleta-Car of Marseille and striker Hugo Ekitike of Reims, but in a surprise development, it appears West Ham have another big name on their list.
The Latest: Cudworth drops major update…
Taking to social media, 90min correspondent Cudworth has claimed that Newman and Moyes could make a ‘dramatic late move’ for Leeds star Raphinha.
“WHUFC could make a dramatic late move for Leeds winger Raphinha,” he stated.
“Will take a substantial offer for LUFC to entertain any kind of deal but have learned that West Ham are interested & may test their resolve.”
The Verdict: Huge…
Signing Raphinha would be a major statement of intent on part of West Ham and could certainly come as an upgraded attacking midfield alternative to long-term target Jesse Lingard.
Compared to West Ham’s current squad, the Elland Road star is seemingly superior in every attacking sense imaginable.
According to WhoScored, Raphinha has averaged a brilliant 3.1 shots, 2.1 key passes and 2.4 completed dribbles in the Premier League this season – far more than any man at Moyes’ disposal.
Able to operate as a playmaker, on the wings and further forward (WhoScored), the Brazilian would truly be a dream capture for West Ham, but a transfer may be difficult to say the least.
Leeds apparently demanded ‘more than £60 million’ for Raphinha last summer according to Fabrizio Romano (FIVE via MOT Leeds News), meaning GSB may have to absolutely smash their transfer record if that stance remains similar.
ExWHUemployee backs that a ‘£50m’ offer for a mystery player has been made through email discussions (Patreon), perhaps signalling West Ham’s intent in these last few days of the winter, but Leeds’ prized gem may be too far out of reach.
In other news: BBC journalist: West Ham offer made to sign ‘amazing’ attacker who club valued at ‘£50m’, find out more here.