The news earlier that the Hammers have finally shown their hand and launched a bid for Anderlecht’s [Mario Stroykens](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfers-hammers-told-to-double-bid/) is something of a relief: to see the Irons finally stop hanging around the walls like teenagers at a disco and actually jump in with an – albeit low- offer is encouraging.
The fact that the offer was rejected and that West Ham have to ‘double’ their bid is not a surprise for Hammers-watchers. And the bid is about eight million short. The Hammers have already saved that in salaries for next season from their long list of ‘leavers’ coming off the wages. Being able to afford it is one thing: Being prepared to commit to Potter and Macaulay’s number one target is another and from what happens next we will be able to deduce who is really running things at London stadium.
If Potter gets his man, evidently Sullivan has learned something from the _Jhon Duran debacle_ and focusses on winning the player’s signature- not just trying to boss the negotiations. The cynics will comment that David Sullivan is too fond of a deal and will carry on lowballing.
I’m not so sure. Having appointed Potter in a two and a half year deal just six months ago, the Hammers chairman has no option but to support him in the way he backed Lopetegui to the tune of £40 million with the Kilman purchase. And it is a ten million shortfall on a twenty million player, hardly big bucks by Premier League standards.
Eight million is a deal within touching distance by any other club’s standards.
Potter and Macaulay seem to have chosen their top pick: Now Sullivan gets to do his part – or risk another ‘Duran’ debacle. Remind me again how much Duran is worth now? Quite. The Hammers could have doubled their money. Hopefully that memory still stings a bit in the boardroom and doesn’t forgotten as negotiations progress this week.