Manchester United could be set to deal a true hammer blow to West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
Ruben Amorim is planning a huge squad overhaul at Old Trafford this summer, and one of the Manchester United manager’s supposed plans will be a big problem for West Ham.
Graham Potter is also eyeing a big squad revamp at the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.
And the Red Devils and the Hammers could soon be on a collision course in the race to sign the same player.
Potter’s priority this summer is to bring a top-class striker to West Ham.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
The Hammers head coach needs a real physical presence through the middle to suit his system, but someone who is an intelligent footballer as well.
Amorim needs a similar type of striker for his system to flourish at Old Trafford.
And the Man United boss could be about to deal a real blow to Potter’s hopes of securing one of his key summer plans.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
West Ham blow as Manchester United eye Jean-Philippe Mateta
So it seems like one of Potter’s key transfer targets is now on the radar of the Red Devils.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is believed to be a transfer target for Manchester United this summer, according to The Mirror.
West Ham have been linked with a move to sign Mateta over the past month or so.
And it’s little wonder as to why, given the Frenchman’s exceptional form for Crystal Palace so far this season.
Mateta has been described as unplayable and an old-fashioned centre-forward ‘bully’ by The Daily Mail.
He has been truly incredible this season, with 15 goals and three assists in 33 games for Crystal Palace to his name (Transfermarkt).
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Opposing defenders simply cannot handle the 27-year-old. He would be the ideal striker to lead the line for the Hammers, but we will face an uphill battle in the race for his signature now.
How much West Ham and Man United have to pay for Mateta
The Mirror have lifted the lid on the fee required to prise the six-capped France international away from Selhurst Park.
It is claimed that Palace will demand £40 million for Mateta in the summer transfer window.
That sounds like an awful lot of money for someone who will be 28 in just a few month’s time.
However, in this day and age, proven Premier League strikers with a real physical presence don’t come cheap.
And when you look at the whole package that the Palace star offers, £40 million for his signature would actually represent good value.
I would absolutely love Jean-Philippe Mateta at West Ham – he’s perfect for us in every way what with his pace, power and finishing ability.
However, Manchester United moving into position to sign him is far from ideal for the Hammers.