West Ham are now reportedly preparing a move for another Liverpool star after Graham Potter missed out on target Tyler Morton.
The Hammers have been linked with Liverpool duo Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott for some time.
It was claimed West Ham’s slow start to the summer transfer window was because the club were having to wait for Morton and Elliott to finish up at the Under 21 European Championships – which they helped England win.
Reports have claimed West Ham held several rounds of talks with Liverpool about a double deal for Morton and Elliott – who are both seeking moves away to get more game time.
Graham Potter is planning to overhaul his midfield by adding more dynamism, energy and guile.
Hammers held talks over Liverpool double deal
But noise around West Ham’s move for the Liverpool duo has gone quiet in recent weeks.
Attentions appear to have turned to Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey – although it is unclear whether that will be achievable for the Hammers.
West Ham issued an exciting transfer update after a plea from Potter – and it suggests moves for a number of targets are in the works.
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One player the Hammers won’t be signing, though, is top Potter target Morton.
But they may still sign a top talent from Anfield this summer it seems.
Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott embrace during a Liverpool training session
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Because Morton has agreed a £15m move to Lyon as West Ham turn their attentions to a new Liverpool star.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has launched one of the most stunning transfer window strengthening exercises seen in the modern Premier League era.
And it could get even better if the champions get their hands on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak too.
The huge splurge looked like good news for the Hammers as it made the outlook even more bleak for Morton and Elliott in terms of game time.
However, West Ham have now officially missed out on Morton, who is having a medical at cash-strapped Lyon before sealing a £15m move.
Morton move agreed as West Ham turn to new Liverpool star
Quite how Lyon are beating West Ham to players is anyone’s guess given they are in £400m of debt and were being threatened with demotion to Ligue 2 if they don’t pay the sum down significantly.
But it perhaps sums up the Hammers’ own financial position right now.
Journalist Ben Jacobs says Morton is set to complete a medical today ahead of his £15m Lyon move.
Potter and West Ham’s head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay appear to have instantly pivoted to another young Reds star, though.
It remains to be seen whether the Hammers persist with their interest in Elliott with the window closing in under four weeks.
Scottish winger Ben Doak in action for Liverpool vs Athletic Club Bilbao
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
West Ham now want Reds starlet Doak
But according to leading Liverpool reporter David Lynch, the Hammers now want one of the rising stars emerging under the likes of Elliott in Ben Doak.
In an exclusive, Lynch says Doak is understood to be attracting major interest this summer with West Ham the leading club in the race alongside Premier League rivals Wolves.
Lynch says Liverpool rejected £20m offers from both Ipswich and Crystal Palace for the winger in January.
But West Ham are hoping they can lure him to east London this summer.
Whether Liverpool are open to selling Doak remains to be seen.
Because he was absolutely outstanding when featuring in the Reds’ 4-1 win over Athletic Club yesterday.
The super sharp and stocky Scotland winger may be just 19 but he played with the confidence of a first team regular who was completely unfazed by the pressure the Liverpool jersey can bring.
Rapid and with great composure to his end product already, Doak played a key role in Darwin Nunez’s goal, starting a move before darting in behind the Spanish side’s defence and sending over a perfect cross which resulted in a second goal in five first half minutes.
If Liverpool are open to selling and West Ham can persuade Doak his development is better served in the claret and blue, it would be a seriously exciting addition.
Hammers target Elliott was also on the scoresheet in the game.