Potter could do with another centre-backplaceholder image
Potter could do with another centre-back | Getty Images
West Ham have been linked with a defender, but a deal may be hard to get done.
West Ham have been told to forget about signing a player they are reportedly interested in ahead of Monday’s 7pm deadline. The Hammers picked up a much-needed win on Sunday when they defeated Nottingham Forest with an impressive second-half display.
Crysencio Summerville, Callum Wilson and Lucas Paquetá were inspirational during the win, and Jarrod Bowen also played a big role, scoring the opener.
The win will be a huge relief for Graham Potter after two defeats to open the season, but attention quickly moves from the win to recruitment. The Iron still have business to do ahead of the 7pm deadline, and one area of potential improvement is centre-back.
The 23-year-old is said to be valued at around £20million, but according to Saints boss Will Still, the defender is simply not for sale, and West Ham specifically have been told to take a hike.
Still told the Daily Echo: “They want another one of our players? I don't think Taylor was ever for sale, to be honest. I love West Ham, but [they can] stay off him."
Potter on Forest win
Speaking after West Ham’s win over Forest, Potter said: “Football is a lot like life. It’s often challenging, often unfair, often fair. Just when you think you’re on your knees, you get something and you have to keep going. That’s the life we’re in.
“I’m delighted for the players, delighted for the team. They showed the quality they have, they showed the togetherness and the connection that they’ve had. That, of course, comes under doubt when people lose trust and confidence because the results haven’t been what we wanted. But always the team have been fighting for each other and I’m really proud of them for that.
“It was a near-perfect away performance. The goals that we conceded [in our three previous games this season] have been incredibly soft. We’ve owned up to that and we’ve recognised that it’s hard when you concede goals in that manner to think about anything positive, and to think about how tactically you can set up. The first goal at Sunderland was nothing to do with the new tactics, nor was the second, nor was the third, nor was the first against Chelsea, etcetera.
“So you have to show and prove that you’re together, that you’re connected, that you have an understanding of what you’re doing defensively and I think the players did that today. I can’t remember Forest having too many chances, if at all.
“I thought we always carried a threat, so the game wasn’t high-quality but I think that was down to our organisation and our defensive solidity and then it was great for the subs to come on and impact the game and to score three goals away from home is just brilliant for us.”
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