West Ham United are interested in Liverpool and England U21 midfielder Harvey Elliott, according to multiple reliable sources, including our very own ExWHUEmployee.

West Ham require at least a couple of midfielders this summer, and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot is top of the transfer targets list. The 22-year-old shone for England as Lee Carsley’s side won the UEFA U21 Euro’s this summer.

Elliot’s versatility is the main thing that would make Potter interested in the former Fulham academy man. He can play in central midfield, attacking midfield, and on both wings. This would make him an excellent option for Graham Potter’s squad. He wants a small squad, so versatile players will be key.

Elliott’s quality speaks for itself; he doesn’t play much at Liverpool, but when he does, he looks far from out of place. Elliott scored a late winner in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against PSG, just one example of his quality.

As perfect as the signing would be, it is very unlikely despite our confirmed interest. The Hammers value Elliott at around £30-35m; however, according to some reports, Liverpool value him at at least £40m. Reports suggest the Reds want either £40m for the midfielder with a £60m buy-back clause, or £50m without a clause.

The £50m is a no-go, £40m is still unlikely, unless we sell Lucas Paqueta. Many people would be against a buy-back clause, like the club where, when we wanted to sign Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City a few years ago. However, where we are now, we can’t afford to complain about things like that.

We are short of funds, and Graham Potter needs to bring his own players in, or he and the club could be in danger. If we can get a deal done, we need to do all we can to get it done if he is the midfielder Graham Potter wants in East London.