West Ham have broken their silence on claims they are in advanced talks with Everton about a move to sign striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Hammers News exclusive
The update offers clarity on the truth about the current situation and sheds light on whether 28-year-old striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be heading to the London Stadium on a free transfer at the turn of the month.
It should perhaps come as no great surprise that Everton are not far behind whenever West Ham are linked with a player this summer.
David Moyes left the Hammers last year and will be well aware of some of the club’s longstanding targets.
West Ham and Everton linked with one another’s players
Several players reportedly on West Ham’s wish-list have also been linked with the Toffees.
But players from both camps are reportedly being eyed by the other.
Moyes has been linked with no less than three Hammers players including Tomas Soucek, Vladimir Coufal and Michail Antonio.
Coufal is available on a free while Antonio could join him out of contract with a decision due from West Ham soon.
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Signing a new striker – or two – is a top priority for Graham Potter and Moyes.
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The difference is Moyes has plenty of money to spend courtesy of Everton’s ambitious new ownership group – led by Dan Friedkin.
Meanwhile Potter is penniless until West Ham offload some players and there are no imminent sales on the horizon as things stand.
That could change this week of course when the summer transfer window opens until September.
The free agent market is West Ham’s first port of call this summer due to their financial position.
But the Hammers have flatly denied they want Josh Brownhill, as first reported by Hammers News.
West Ham issue major update on reported talks with Everton
West Ham also missed out on free agent defender CJ Egan-Riley despite a desperate 11th hour plea to try and stop him signing for Marseille.
It was claimed this weekend that Everton’s Calvert-Lewin could be joining the Hammers on July 1.
The ex England striker has reportedly been offered a new deal by the Toffees but is refusing to sign it.
Football Transfers claimed sources told them West Ham have spoken to Everton to find out the status of Calvert-Lewin’s situation.
They reported the Irons are prepared to better Calvert-Lewin’s current £100k per week Everton salary in order to bring him to the east London.
The article went one further, stating West Ham are ‘confident’ that the chance to lead a new-look attack under Potter, combined with a significant wage offer, could help seal the deal.
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Hammers board reveal truth on Dominic Calvert-Lewin move
It is no surprise to supporters Calvert-Lewin has been linked with West Ham. Because he has been in almost every window for the last four years.
Just two months ago it was reported that West Ham have been speaking to Calvert-Lewin about joining on a free transfer this summer.
Hammers fans are unimpressed by the links given Calvert-Lewin’s age and injury record.
Now West Ham have issued a major update on reported talks with Everton over a Calvert-Lewin move.
And for those who were angry about the prospect of the former England man rocking up at the London Stadium, it is the best news of the window so far.
Hammers News put it to the top spokesman for West Ham’s board whether there was any substance to claims the club are moving for Calvert-Lewin.
The response was short, sweet and emphatic and very much in line with the thinking of West Ham fans.
West Ham admit the big problem with Everton star
“No truth,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News.
When pressed on whether the club might see him as a good back-up option given he is available on a free transfer, the reply was equally unequivocal.
“The injuries are the problem.
“When you need him, he’s not available, much like (Callum) Wilson of Newcastle.”
That will come as a huge relief to Hammers fans who were disheartened by talk of a move for the striker.
And the point about his injury record is a valid one.
Calvert-Lewin has 23 injuries listed over two pages on his record dating back to the 2015/16 season.
The total number of days missed amounts to 1,373.
That is over three-and-a-half years on the sidelines in the last decade.