What Manchester City want they more than often get and now West Ham could be about to experience that first hand.
Premier League champions Man City have turned the tables on West Ham during talks over a deal for another player.
It gives the Hammers a huge dilemma after an admission from majority owner David Sullivan.
And it could spark a Declan Rice mark two battle between Man City and Arsenal.
West Ham and Man City have both confirmed they intend to be active in the January transfer window.
Both clubs are having hugely disappointing seasons way below expectations.
Pep Guardiola as huge problems with a lack of depth following a spate of injuries.
Meanwhile West Ham’s summer rebuild has failed to address clear issues in midfield and up front.
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Declan Rice mark two scenario developing
The Hammers have an alarming lack of power, pace, guile and creativity in the middle of the park.
Up front they now only have a choice between 31-year-old Niclas Fullkrug and 32-year-old Danny Ings – both severely lacking in speed and mobility.
To address one of their big issues, West Ham initiated talks with Manchester City ahead of the window opening next week.
But Man City have flipped the script on the Hammers in a stunning twist.
Because desperate Man City have sprung a Mohammed Kudus mega bid on West Ham after a Sullivan hint.
West Ham have officially approached Man City to sign James McAtee.
James McAtee of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Etihad Stadium on ...
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Desperate Man City turn tables on West Ham in McAtee talks
The 22-year-old England youth star has had just two Premier League minutes for Man City this season despite all their injury issues.
McAtee is open to joining West Ham.
But Man City told the Hammers they won’t let McAtee join them until they bring in a replacement first.
Then came the cunning twist.
Kudus has been heavily linked with a move away from east London this season.
West Ham’s star boy has cut a frustrated figure playing under Julen Lopetegui.
Kudus criticised Lopetegui after West Ham’s draw with Brighton at the weekend, in which he scored.
Kudus has just three goals from his 14 appearances this season.
For a player of his immense, unplayable talent – as Man City witnessed first hand in the final game of last season – that is nowhere near the return West Ham fans were expecting under a new manager who was tasked with playing a more attacking style of football.
Kudus leaving West Ham has become a question of when rather than if.
The Ghanaian has an £85m release clause active in the summer with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool interested.
Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United celebrates with a Michail Antonio shirt following scoring a goal that was later disallowed during the Premier Lea...
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Man City make Kudus mega bid after Sullivan hint
But now it could be Rice mark two as Manchester City have used the McAtee talks to launch a bid of their own.
Hammers chief Sullivan has admitted he would sell Kudus in January if a club paid £100m.
Man City and Arsenal both bid over £100m for Declan Rice in the summer of last year.
In the end Rice chose the Gunners.
Now Man City are looking for a measure of revenge by launching a first bid to beat Arsenal to Kudus.
According to the likes of Hard Tackle and Sports Mole, the champions have opened the bidding with West Ham at £75m.
That falls £25m below West Ham’s January valuation of £100m.
But it’s a standard opening bid in negotiations.
If McAtee is included then big deal could be on
Man City are clever in that they’ve told West Ham they need a replacement for McAtee before letting him move to the London Stadium.
Kudus would certainly be that.
What’s clear is that Sullivan won’t sell at £75m.
If Man City include McAtee in their offer, though, then the bid would amount to West Ham’s asking price.
Kudus is one of the most explosive and dangerous players in Europe.
So McAtee would have big boots to fill.
But this is a deal which could actually make sense for all parties if McAtee is included.
Especially as West Ham need to raise funds to sign a top level striker too.
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