Kevin Nolan has admitted West Ham made a mistake by not signing Julian Alvarez when they had the chance to whilst he was still at River Plate. 

West Ham have had a busy summer following the departure of David Moyes and have made a number of quality signings including the likes of Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme and Niclas Fullkrug.

The Hammers are looking to get back into European football having missed out completely last season and on the face of it are building a really strong squad for Julen Lopetegui, who is being heavily backed.

Nolan reveals one West Ham regret

Nolan, who was a first team coach under Moyes and also had a spell at West Ham as a player left the club this summer along with the Scot.

Following his departure Nolan has opened up on his time at the London Stadium and when asked about the possibility of signing Alvarez in the summer of 2022, he admitted that was one of his regrets.

“To be fair, we did a lot of work on Alvarez the season he signed,” he told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

“We did a lot of work leading up to it. And one of the first things I said he’s a Man City player right away.

“Like when obviously the boss said what you think, I just said he’s a Man City player for me because he just looked the part.

“I think for me he was probably a bit too slight, and what we needed was someone a bit bigger because he was on his own, but he adapted fantastically well. But he was given the opportunity to adapt because of how Man City are and what they do.”

Alvarez ended up joining City that summer for just £14m and went on to win the Treble in his first season and he’s agreed to join Atletico Madrid in a deal which could be worth up to £81m.

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It’s an interesting case of what might have been if West Ham had taken the gamble on Alvarez and he’s now proven himself to be a top quality operator.

In this instance West Ham’s loss was very much Manchester City’s gain from both a playing and financial standpoint and it will be mistake the Hammers won’t want to repeat in the future.

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West ham are close to reaching an agreement over a pay off for Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka in an attempt to help push through a move to the London Stadium according to reports. 

It’s been a busy summer for the Hammers, who as well as a new manager have made several quality signings as they set about strengthening their squad.

Former Wolves and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui is the new man in charge and West Ham have signed the likes of Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme and Niclas Fullkrug.

West Ham close to Wan-Bissaka deal

Despite making a number of additions the Hammers are still looking to sign a right back and have been linked with a number of names.

Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier and Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters have recently been linked with a move, whilst the Hammers saw a move fall through for Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui fall through.

West Ham have been linked with Wan-Bissaka throughout the summer but an agreement with United has so far proven elusive.

However, ExWHUEmployee has reported via Patreon that a pay off is close to being agreed with United which would compensate Wan-Bissaka for the decrease in wages if he joins West Ham.

The report adds that once a final agreement is in place it should help accelerate the right back’s move to West Ham.

A fee is yet to be agreed but personal terms reportedly won’t be an issue for the 26-year-old and United need to offload the Englishman in order to complete a deal for Mazraoui.

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Vladimír Coufal was West Ham’s right back last season, but the 31-year-old only has one year remaining on his contract and it remains to be seen if he will be offered a new deal.

If the Hammers can complete a deal for Wan-Bissaka it means they will likely be starting the season with three new players in their backline following the signing of Kilman and the imminent arrival of Jean-Clair Todibo.

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Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier is the subject of interest from West Ham according to reports as they continue their search for a right back. 

It’s been a busy summer for the Hammers who now have former Wolves and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui at the helm, and they have completed deals for Max Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Guilherme.

Despite that the club are still frantically searching for a right back and have been linked with a number of names but nothing has materialised yet.

West Ham eye move for Trippier

The Hammers have been linked with Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton, whilst a move for Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui fell through last month.

However, The Telegraph report that West Ham have England international Trippier on their radar and he’s among their options, but it’s unknown yet whether he’s on the market.

The 33-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal at St James’ Park and he’s also reportedly attracting interest from Saudi clubs.

Trippier arrived at Newcastle from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid in 2022 and has captained the side on numerous occasions, but the Magpies find themselves in a difficult position as this could be the last opportunity for them to get a decent fee for the England international.

Any fee for Trippier could potentially help Eddie Howe’s side fund a move for a right winger and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, who they are pushing hard to sign.

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West Ham’s current right back is Vladimir Coufal, and the 31-year-old made 47 appearances in all competitions last season, but Lopetegui has clearly identified the position as an area that needs strengthening.

Coufal is currently out of contract in 2025 and it remains to be seen if the Czech international will be offered a new deal at the London Stadium.

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West Ham have reached an agreement with Leeds to sign winger Crysencio Summerville according to The Athletic.

The 22-year-old is set to undergo a medical ahead of his move to the London Stadium, and the report adds that if everything goes to plan Summerville will fly out to America to join his new team-mates on their pre-season tour.

It’s very much a new era at West Ham with Julen Lopetegui now at the helm, and the Hammers have so far signed Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman and Wes Foderingham.

Summerville set to join West Ham

The Dutchman impressed for Leeds last season as they narrowly missed out on promotion having lost to Southampton in the play-off final.

Summerville scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in 43 league appearances which saw him named Championship Player of the Year.

The winger had attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea but nothing advanced with either club and he’s now set to join West Ham.

Fabrizio Romano added that the deal is worth in excess of £25m with add ons included and he’s agreed a long term contract with the club.

??? Crysencio Summerville to West Ham, here we go! Deal in place between clubs for package in excess of £25m with add-ons.

Summerville agreed on long term deal and he also spoke to Lopetegui ahead of move.

Leeds United accepted the proposal and he’s now set to sign. pic.twitter.com/dpzqyoYUfk

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2024

West Ham have been in the market for attacking reinforcements and the addition of Summerville to go along side talented teenager Guilherme and their existing options, which include Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus gives the club some really exciting options at the top end of the pitch.

The Hammers are still in the market for a centre forward and have been strongly linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Niclas Fullkrug.

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The Bundesliga outfit are thought to have rejected an offer worth in the region of €20m for the German international, and the clubs reportedly remain in talks over a deal.

Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran is another target and West Ham had an offer worth £30m plus youngster Lewis Orford turned down, but it remains to be seen if they will return with another offer for the Colombian.

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Ivan Toney is prepared to allow his contract to run down and leave Brentford on a free next summer according to talkSPORT.

Toney was part of the England squad that made the final of Euro 2024, and he scored in the penalty shootout victory against Switzerland in the quarter finals.

The 28-year-old is hoping for a big move away from the Bees this summer, but so far progress appears to be slow on a departure.

Toney prepared to run his contract down

The England international returned to action earlier this year following an eight month ban for breaching betting rules.

The striker scored four goals in 17 appearances last season, which all came in his first five games back from his ban.

The Athletic have reported that last summer Toney would have been worth between £80m-£100m, but now he’s understood to be valued at around £50m.

Toney had attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal in January but a move to either club failed to materialise.

The striker is due back at Brentford next week after the club’s pre-season tour of Portugal, and a decision is likely to be taken on his future soon, with the chances of a new deal being signed highly unlikely.

However, talkSPORT have reported that Toney would be prepared to run his contract down and leave on a free next summer.

The report adds that the two Premier League clubs who have expressed the most interest are West Ham and Tottenham, with Toney hoping Spurs make a move, whilst clubs in Saudi Arabia are also thought to be interested.

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Toney had been linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this summer, but they have subsequently signed Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, whilst Arsenal and Chelsea appear to have completely cooled their interest.

With teams now into the swing of pre-season and the new campaign drawing nearer, Toney will certainly be a player to keep an eye on, and it’s surprising that more clubs seemingly aren’t interested in a player of his quality.

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Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

Euro 2024 has been a good time for Spain, with La Roja playing comfortably the best football at the tournament, and now arguably into the final four as favourites. An injury to Pedri was the main sour note from their win over Germany, but even then it was his replacement Dani Olmo who first scored and then provided the cross for Mikel Merino’s outstanding header.

The tournament has provided a useful barrier for many of the Spain players linked with a move, with Nico Williams, Olmo and Merino (and his father) all saying they will deal with transfers after the tournament – when they will also be exempt from media duties too. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta clearly still enjoys watching La Liga, as not only have Williams and Merino been linked to the Gunners, there’s also Jules Kounde and long-term target Martin Zubimendi.

There’s bad news on the latter front, as Zubimendi has, like last summer, reiterated his desire to stay at Real Sociedad. Kounde has also in recent months said he has no plans to leave Barcelona, but there is a steady stream of links to French defender, and if Barcelona cannot sell Ronald Araujo, then seemingly they would be open to letting Kounde go.

? Ronald Araujo is set to miss 6-8 weeks, as reported by Javi Miguel.

The #FCBarcelona defender injured his hamstring while playing in Uruguay's Copa America quarter-final against Brazil. pic.twitter.com/esgZyDzmPG

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 7, 2024

Benfica have been heavily linked to Joao Felix this week. Atletico Madrid would not only be delighted not to have to loan him back to Barcelona on a cheaper deal, and to move him permanently, but there has been no offer for Felix yet. It remains to be seen whether he would be open to an offer if one arrived. Chelsea appear to have re-opened talks for Samu Omorodion, but if Atletico demand his release clause, then it might be a little too much for the Blues.

Across the city, Real Madrid continue their waiting game for Leny Yoro, but another name familiar to Arsenal fans, Dani Ceballos, is looking to leave for more minutes. If Los Blancos are to let him go, they want a decent offer though, meaning the Premier League is his most likely destination.

West Ham have been linked with a number of players this summer, and the latest to be attributed to their shortlist is Villarreal’s Alexander Sorloth, who finished runner-up as top scorer in Spain last summer. It seems as if it will be a busy summer in Spain this year, but all eyes are on France on Tuesday for now, as Luis de la Fuente steps forward as an unlikely hero.

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Fulham are leading the race for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay with Newcastle, West Ham and Southampton also interested according to reports. 

United are set for a busy summer, and a number of players are expected to be moved on, including the likes of Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Casemiro as they look to raise funds and free up space in the squad.

McTominay has seen his game time at Old Trafford lessen following the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, and he was the subject of interest from West Ham last summer, but ended up staying at United.

Fulham lead the race for McTominay

The 27-year-old has made 352 appearances for the Red Devils, but is thought to be one of the players the club are happy to sell this summer.

The Scotland international has popped up with a number of important late goals for United, including an injury time double against Brentford and both goals in the win against Chelsea last season.

McTominay scored ten goals in 43 appearances in all competitions last summer, but is out of contract in 2025, with United running the risk of losing him on a free if they opt against selling the Scot this summer.

Manchester World report that four Premier League clubs are interested in the midfielder’s services with Fulham believed to be leading the way, with Newcastle, West Ham and newly promoted Southampton also interested.

The report adds that Fulham are leading the way for McTominay with Marco Silva keen on pairing him with former team-mate Andreas Pereira at Craven Cottage, and a bid is expected soon.

West Ham had an offer rejected last summer, and Manchester World adds their interest is believed to have cooled.

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Following Scotland’s early elimination from Euro 2024, McTominay is expected to play a full part in United’s pre-season tour of America.

United are targeting moves for Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee, whilst they also have interest in  Manuel Ugarte and Jarrad Branthwaite.

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West Ham could look to bring Alexander Sorloth back to the Premier League after they complete the signing of Max Kilman.

After a quiet start to the window the Hammers are starting to kick into gear and have signed Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham from Sheffield United.

West Ham are set to make Kilman their third summer signing having had a bid of £40m accepted by Wolves with the formalities of the deal set to be wrapped up over the weekend.

West Ham could bring Sorloth back to the Premier League

Kilman’s move to the London Stadium will see him reunite with Julen Lopetegui after the pair worked together during the Spaniard’s stint at Molineux.

Defensive reinforcements are believed to be West Ham’s first priority, but they are also looking to add more firepower to their squad.

Whilst the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are a reliable source of goals the Hammers need a centre forward who knows where the back of the net is.

Michail Antonio has lead the line for the club over the past few seasons, but at 34 his game is starting to regress, and he’s never been prolific in front of goal, whilst Danny Ings’  move to West Ham hasn’t lived up to expectations.

The Hammers have been linked with Seville’s Youssef En-Nesyri but a move has yet to materialise for the Morocco international.

However, according to Spanish outlet AS, West Ham could look to bring Villareal striker Sorloth back to the Premier League, and he would cost around £32m.

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The Norway international had a disastrous spell at Crystal Palace scoring just once in 20 appearances for the Eagles, but seems to have found his feet at Villareal, and scored an impressive 26 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions last season.

At 6ft 5in tall the Norwegian is often a handful for opposition centre backs, and you feel if he were to make a return to the Premier League he would be better equipped this time around.

The post West Ham set to target 28-year-old Premier League flop after Max Kilman deal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Wilfried Zaha could be set for a return to the Premier League this summer with Galatasaray prepared to sell the winger according to reports.

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Zaha left Crystal Palace last summer and joined the Turkish giants on a free transfer, where he signed a three deal and earns a reported £300,000 per week.

The 31-year-old performed well last season as me made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring ten goals and providing five assists as Galatasaray won the Turkish title.

Zaha could return to the Premier League this summer

The Daily Mirror report that the Turkish club could be willing to let the former Palace man leave for a cut price deal as they can no longer afford his wages due to the current financial situation at the club.

The report adds that officials at Galatasaray have told Palace and other Premier League sides that Zaha is available and officially on the market.

Palace along with Wolves and West Ham are believed to be the three English clubs interested in a potential move, but Zaha would have to take a drop in wages to secure a move to any of those clubs.

The Daily Mirror adds that if Zaha doesn’t want to take a pay cut Galatasaray could opt to pay him off and he would then be able to leave for free.

It’s unclear how interested Oliver Glasner would be in bringing Zaha back to Selhurst Park, but with Michael Olise seemingly Bayern Munich bound and a host of clubs interested in England international Eberechi Eze, a return to the Eagles would certainly be a crowd pleaser.

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Palace have boosted their attacking options this summer already with the addition of attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada on a free transfer from Serie A side Lazio.

The Eagles will also be desperate to keep hold of Marc Guehi who is starring for England at Euro 2024, and Palace have reportedly set an asking price in the region of £65m.

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West Ham’s Ben Johnson has agreed to join newly promoted Ipswich Town when his contract expires at the end of the month according to The Times.

Johnson’s future has been a constant topic of conversation, and the 24-year-old reportedly turned down a new five year contract from the Hammers.

It now appears Ipswich are closing in on a deal for Johnson, having already agreed a club record deal worth up to £22.5m with Chelsea for Omari Hutchinson.

Johnson closes in on Ipswich move

According to The Times Johnson has agreed a four year deal with The Tractor Boys worth £60,000 per week, and will sign for the club when his West Ham contract expires at the end of the month.

Johnson is believed to have turned down a new contract at the London Stadium because he wants to pursues more regular first team football, despite Julen Lopetegui wanting to keep him.

The right back came through the ranks at West Ham and has made 109 appearances for the Hammers, scoring two goals and was part of the squad which won the Europa Conference League under David Moyes.

West Ham have been linked with bringing Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka in as a replacement, with United open to letting the former Crystal Palace man leave this summer.

The Hammers have already signed Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras for £25.5m with the 18-year-old signing a five year contract.

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Lopetegui will be looking to further strengthen his squad, with the club believed to be targeting defensive reinforcements.

West Ham have identified Wolves captain Max Kilman as a target, and saw an opening offer of £30m plus add-ons rejected with the Molineux outfit holding out for £45m, whilst they are reportedly interested in Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters as the Hammers look to strengthen in the full back areas.

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