There was a time when West Ham had Viktor Gyokeres on a plate for just £17.5m now they’re hoping Man United sign him or Victor Osimhen to boost their latest search for a new striker.
Manchester United fans know all about what can happen when ex West Ham boss David Moyes is deliberating over signing a player.
The Scot earned the moniker ‘Dithering Dave’ from his time at Everton and Man United due to dragging his heels over pulling the trigger on signings.
Moyes often preferred to watch a player several times in person before making a decision.
He also did not like spending big money on a player, saying he refused to waste other people’s’ money.
In many ways that is admirable.
‘Dithering Dave’ cost Man United and West Ham top stars
But it allegedly cost Man United Cesc Fabregas and Gareth Bale and Moyes has since admitted he snubbed the chance to sign the likes of Julian Alvarez at West Ham.
Another player he had on a silver platter in east London was major Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres.
Moyes watched Gyokeres in person as West Ham were offered the striker for £17.5m when he was at Coventry.
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But he decided he wasn’t good enough to replace Michail Antonio at the time.
West Ham have been regretting his decision ever since as the super Swede has gone on to prove himself as one of the best strikers in the world.
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Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, who held talks about taking over West Ham just over a year ago, signed Gyokeres at Sporting instead.
Now the Portuguese wants him at Man United in a deal which could rather ironically help the Hammers in their latest search for a striker.
Because West Ham are now relying on Manchester United to help shape their bid to find a new forward after a major twist in the market.
With Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen both on Man United’s radar, the Hammers need one of those big deals to go through to improve their chances of landing a top target of their own.
West Ham clearly can’t compete with Man United in the transfer market after the Old Trafford side swooped to do early deals for Matheus Cunha and now Bryan Mbeumo at £60m plus each.
West Ham must hope Man United sign Gyokeres or Osimhen
Especially with West Ham claiming PSR is restricting what Graham Potter can spend.
West Ham need to sell before they can buy this summer and talks were actually held with Man United about a potential deal for Mohammed Kudus – who will be West Ham’s main sacrificial lamb to raise transfer funds.
Signing a younger, dynamic striker is Potter’s top priority this summer.
And that has put West Ham on a collision course for a Moise Kean.
The Hammers have been linked with a move to sign Kean from Fiorentina.
The ex Everton striker, now 25, has been brilliant for the team West Ham beat in the Conference League final just over two years ago.
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Kean scored 25 goals and laid on three assists for La Viola last season.
There is valid argument that Kean would perfectly suit both Amorim and Potter’s systems with his strength, pace and finishing ability.
Having been something of a nomad by moving back and forth to Juventus from Everton and PSG, the misfit has really matured as a player in recent seasons.
Potter is said to be a big admirer of Kean having told Niclas Fullkrug he sees him as back-up at best in east London.
But Football Italia and Tuttomercatoweb recently reported Manchester United are the club who have shown the most consistent interest in Kean.
The Italy international is looking increasingly likely to leave Fiorentina and the good news for West Ham and Man United is that he is not basing any decision on his next club around whether they have European football to offer.
Hammers target Kean is Man United’s third choice striker signing
Instead it has been reported Kean will go to the club ‘above all else’ where he is guaranteed the starting striker spot.
The problem for West Ham is that Manchester United still want Kean.
But only as their third choice striker option if they cannot sign Gyokeres or Osimhen.
Foot Mercator journalist Sebastien Denis claims Kean is being actively tracked by Manchester United and is ‘still high on the shortlist’.
But he states it is only as the alternative if Gyokeres or Osimhen don’t arrive at Old Trafford.
So West Ham need to hope one of them agrees to sign for the Red Devils soon to leave the door open for them to bring Kean to the London Stadium.
The Hammers were given encouragement recently when Kean appeared reluctant over a move to Man United.
West Ham were delighted to hear Kean is ‘not too sure Man United would be the best step’.
The Irons may have the ace card by being able to offer Kean the role of guaranteed starting striker.
But that’s only if Man United don’t get Gyokeres or Osimhen.