Early Friday I caught up with our man-in-the-know, ExWHUemployee to discuss the latest from the club in what seems to be a very busy summer transfer window.
Ex, our hunt for a striker seems to be ramping up with bids going in and this has many wondering what the plan is. Can you give us an update?
Yes Mark a bid went in for Gianluca Scamacca which is not accepted as yet and is currently being evaluated by his club Sassuolo. He is a striker who Rob Newman has presented to David Moyes however my understanding is that Armando Broja is the number 1 target for the manager.
The situation at present with Broja is that Chelsea are playing hard and have taken him to the US on their pre-season tour, this is for the manager to assess him before making a decision. West Ham do have other options if this doesn’t materialise, with players I have mentioned previously, Bretherton Diaz of Blackburn being one.
However the club are going all out for Broja and will push to get this deal over the line.
Another player back in the spotlight once again Ex is Jesse Lingard, with the player suggesting online that a decision has now been made on his future. What can you tell us about this ongoing saga?
Lingard just needs to stop these teasing videos as it simply just winds up the fanbase in my opinion, but yes the video suggests that a call has finally been made. I believe the player is keen to return and I am hopeful he will – as are the club.
Make no mistake it would be a massive boost as we all know what he can do from what he did previously, plus it would be huge for Moyes as he’s his number one attacking midfield target.
Ex another position many want to see added to this summer is the left-back role. What can you share on this?
Yes its definitely a key position and Moyes wants someone who also can deliver well from set pieces, much like Cresswell.
I can say that the club are keen on a couple of targets I have mentioned previously, especially with the target list narrowing. I believe a bid for a player is imminent but I’ll keep people up to date as that develops.
With our pre-season now in full flow, can you advise if any players in particular have caught the eye of Moyes so far?
Many players have actually started well, although I think at the stage and who we have played so far it’s hard to judge. Conor Coventry has been working extremely hard and has had a lot of minutes so far.
Chesters is another from the Academy who has also played well, but of course there are a lot of younger and fringe players who are now playing for their futures at the club. Moyes knows what he wants – the sale of Alese showed that with him sadly just not making the grade.
Finally Ex can you provide an update on the changes at London Stadium for the new season?
Well the club are very hopeful that the stadium will be able to seat 62,500, which is huge for the club as would mean one of the biggest in the country and in Europe, but also of course for finances too.
The latest is that the club are awaiting a certificate of approval for it to be rubber stamped. My hope is that this benefits West Ham fans to see the team in action, and not a bonus for tourists or others to just watch Premier League football.