by Staff Writer
Friday, 4th July 2025
Welcome to KUMB's latest transfer rumour round-up - five stories from around the web featuring players potentially on West Ham's shopping list, or current Hammers on the radar of other clubs...
El Hadji Malick Diouf
Unconfirmed reports from the Czech Republic claim West Ham have finally agreed terms with Diouf's current club Slavia Prague. The 20-year-old Senegalese left-back/wing-back is Graham Potter’s top defensive target this summer and set to replace Emerson, who is considered surplus to requirements.
The Hammers, who saw an initial bid of circa €20m rejected by Slavia - who value him closer to €25million - have, it is claimed by a friend of Tomas Soucek, returned with an improved offer which would represent a Czech Liga record sale. Negotiations are ongoing and West Ham are apparently "committed to concluding the deal".
Source: x.com
Richard Rios
Richard Ríos, Palmeiras' 25-year-old central midfielder has been wowing the crowds at the Club World Cup. And West Ham, who have been interested in the player for some considerable time are reported to have had an initial offer of €25million rejected.
His current club are believed to be holding out for €30million-plus in order to per to let the Colombian leave. Palmeiras have also received offers from Al Hilal and Inter Milan, it is claimed, although Rios has expressed a preference to continue his footballing journey in the English Premier League.
Source: x.com/_Transfer_Mill
Nathaniel Brown
Nathaniel Brown, a 21-year-old German left-back who currently represents Eintracht Frankfurt has been cited as a potential back-up option should the El Hadji Malick Diouf sale not complete. Scouts from West Ham watched Brown during Frankfurt’s Europa League clash with Tottenham at the back end of last season.
However a KUMB source suggests any deal for the full back - who recently signed a deal to keep him at Deutsche Bank Park until 2030 - is extremely unlikely, as the young prospect has been promised Champions League football with the Bundesliga side next season.
Source: exWHUemployee/kumb.com
Ardon Jashari
22-year-old central midfielder Ardon Jashari has been on West Ham’s radar this summer. His current employer, Club Brugge, value the Swiss talent at around €40million. Both West Ham and AC Milan - whose proposal is reported to be ITRO €32.5million - are said to have made opening offers (both of which have been rejected).
Known for his box-to-box engine and defensive awareness, Jashari has also drawn interest from Manchester United and Manchester City. While West Ham’s initial approach (value unknown) was declined, they remain among a group of clubs keen to secure the services of the Swiss international.
Source: x.com
Leif Davies
Ipswich Town left back Leif Davis, who represented the Tractor Boys in the Premier League last season has emerged as another potential target for West Ham this summer, should the above targets fall through.
Known for his strong assist numbers, he’s described as a “modern-day, attacking left-back” with excellent crossing and chance creation skills. His current estimated market price is £20million and would - unlike Brown - be a realistic alternative option should the Diouf deal fall through.
Source: exWHUemployee
And today's one for luck...
Dimitri Payet
Payet, who spent 18 months at West Ham in the mid 2010s has officially become a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Vasco da Gama.
The Brazilian club confirmed the 38-year-old's departure, expressing gratitude for his professionalism during his time in Rio. Now available on a free transfer, Payet’s future remains uncertain as he evaluates whether to continue playing or retire at this stage in his career.
Source: x.com/lequipe/status/1940792162162983075
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