Mateus Fernandes stood out at Southampton.placeholder image
Mateus Fernandes stood out at Southampton. | Getty Images
Graham Potter is confident about transfer dealings at West Ham so far this summer.
West Ham continue to gather pace in their summer transfer dealings ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, after a quiet start to the window.
The Hammers have confirmed the arrival of former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson as a free agent and now prioritise moves for a goalkeeper and midfielder. Speaking about transfers this week, manager Graham Potter said: "Yes, I don't see it in those ways, to be honest. I don't see it as backing me or not, it's about what's right for the club, the parameters that the club have to work in. I'm really happy with what we've done already, we'll always look to improve the team while the window's open, and if there's an opportunity to do that, we will."
LondonWorld looks at how the West Ham starting XI could look next season if current rumours prove true.
West Ham starting XI if transfer rumours are true
Goalkeeper: John Victor
Signing a new goalkeeper remains a priority for Graham Potter this summer but the manager may now be close to achieving that goal. Earlier on in the window, Aaron Ramsdale had been named as a target and, since then, Championship trio Mads Hermansen, Michael Cooper and Viktor Johannson had all been linked.
However, West Ham are in ‘advanced talks’ with Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor, who will compete with Alphonse Areola for the number one role. In an update on Monday, Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Viktor Johansson can leave Stoke City in the next days/weeks. Movements around the goalkeeper with PL clubs keen on signing him. West Ham considered move but now in advanced talks for Botafogo’s John, as exclusively revealed.”
Centre-Backs: Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Jan Bednarek
Full-Backs: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, El Hadji Malick Diouf
El Hadji Malick Diouf arrived at the London Stadium from Slavia Prague for £19 million and looks an exciting option at wing-back opposite Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Kyle Walker-Peters has also arrived as a free agent and offers an experienced back-up.
Sitting behind them, Max Kilman will once again be partnered by Jean-Clair Todibo with his loan move made permanent. LeedsLive claims that West Ham join Leeds United in having made contact with former Premier League star Jan Bednarek over a possible transfer, the 29-year-old is currently at Porto.
West Ham target Southampton and Aston Villa midfielders
Midfielders: Freddie Potts, Jacob Ramsey, Mateus Fernandes
Strikers: Jarrod Bowen, Callum Wilson
West Ham lacked bite in midfield last season and are yet to recruit in the middle of the park this summer. Freddie Potts looks an exciting option having returned from his loan at Portsmouth and is set for minutes in the Premier League. Hammers News is one of the outlets reporting interest in Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey, who could add versatility in midfield. GiveMeSport believe that West Ham could also look to bring in Mateus Fernandes from Southampton, with the 21-year-old catching the eye despite the club’s relegation last year, although a £50 million valuation on the south coast is lofty.
The signing of Callum Wilson as a free agent has turned some heads given his digs at West Ham in the past but looks a no-brainer given his ‘pay as you play’ contract and proven Premier League pedigree. He will partner the ever reliable Jarrod Bowen.
In other news, 'Advanced Talks': Fabrizio Romano teases imminent £7m West Ham transfer as Wolves and Aston Villa beaten.
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