After a rather underwhelming summer transfer season, both the fans and the press are eager to find out about what players would go where next January. When it comes to the Hammers, everyone from BettingNews88 to the top sports outlets seems to know for sure that German international Antonio Rudiger is headed for London Stadium this summer on a free transfer. Now, in turn, insiders over at Claret & Hugh have heard something that can dout the Hammers’ hopes to have him next summer.
Rudiger on many radars
Apparently, the Chelsea centre-back is on many radars ahead of the January transfer window, a time when - if he doesn’t strike a deal with the Blues - he can sign a pre-contract with a new club. Reports speak of several high-profile - and wealthy - clubs keeping an eye on Rudiger, including Premier League clubs Man City and Man United, and international clubs like AC Milan and Real Madrid. Rudiger’s contract talks with Chelsea have stalled, so it seems his exit from Stamford Bridge is set in stone. Apparently, Real Madrid is in pole position to sign him.
Jason Knight might come
On the other hand, West Ham has reportedly joined the race for Derby County midfielder Jason Knight. The 20-year-old graduated from Derby’s youth academy in 2019 and has been part of the first team ever since. During his time with the Rams, he has played in more than 80 league games and scored 10 goals. At the same time, he has represented his native Ireland at every level from U-17 to U-21 and has played 9 times with the senior National Team as well, scoring once in the process. Although he signed a new contract with Derby in 2020, keeping him in the team until 2023. But changes are on the horizon for the Rams: the club’s administrators are selling, and this may also result in offloading some up-and-coming talent in January. Aside from the Hammers, other clubs like Everton, Leeds, and Burnley, among others, are reportedly interested in him.
Bird and Buchanan are also on the radar
Other players are also on the Hammers’ radar ahead of the January transfer window, including central midfielder Max Bird and left-back Lee Buchanan, both of them currently at Derby. Buchanan’s contract expires next summer, and he is already rumoured to head over to Celtic afterwards but a lot can change until then. Bird, in turn, is under contract with the Rams until 2024 but this doesn’t stop several clubs, including but not limited to the Hammers, to be interested in snatching him early next year. Among the potential contenders, rumours speak of clubs like Norwich and Brentford.
Get in there Moysie and Newman!
Comments
We're up to our eyes in
We're up to our eyes in midfielders ,its C Bs & C Fs we need