West Ham’s transfer window is starting to heat up again and that looks like being very bad news for Leeds United.
It was not too long ago that Leeds were being linked with Hammers midfielder Tomas Soucek.
Daniel Farke was said to be pushing to sign West Ham’s big Czech fan favourite as he looked to add goals to Leeds United’s midfield.
Graham Potter has made it clear Soucek, West Ham’s most consistent player behind Jarrod Bowen over the last five-and-a-half-years, is not a guaranteed starter under him.
That’s despite the four-time, and current, Czech player of the year scoring another nine goals last season.
Soucek has been starting on the bench in pre-season games and had to fight his way back into the side after being dropped towards the end of the last campaign.
Potter wants more dynamism, guile and craft in his midfield and attack.
West Ham and Leeds want to improve midfield options
The Hammers added that when they signed brilliant Crysencio Summerville from Leeds for £26m last summer.
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But the flying Dutchman, who was Leeds’ player of the year when he departed Elland Road, suffered a serious injury in January and won’t return until next month.
There is excitement about how West Ham will look with Summerville back in the side under Potter.
But the Hammers must wait at least one month into the new season until the former Leeds man is available again.
Leeds have made several signings for their return to the big time and are said to have over £100m to spend.
As a result Paul Merson believes Leeds will be licking their lips about finishing above West Ham.
West Ham head coach Graham Potter shares a laugh with midfielder Tomas Soucek
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Like the Hammers, Farke wants to improve his options in midfield and attack – hence the interest in Soucek.
Farke told The Yorkshire Post he is ‘not naïve’ and knows improvements are needed for the step up to the Premier League.
But there has been a development regarding one of his top targets.
It is a disaster for Leeds as West Ham launch a move a journalist says will be ‘easy to do’ for them.
Disaster for Leeds as West Ham launch move that’s ‘easy to do’
The Hammers have been heavily linked with moves for Harvey Elliott, James McAtee and Jacob Ramsey of late.
Last month Hammers News exclusively revealed West Ham have an exciting plan B target if those don’t come off.
That being Leicester City’s tricky playmaker Bilal El Khannouss.
The 21-year-old Moroccan international is said to be pushing for a move back to the Premier League and Leicester need money.
Bilal El Khannouss applauds the travelling Leicester City fans after the Premier League match with rivals Nottingham Forest
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Leeds United have been the club most heavily linked with El Khannouss and he seemed set for a move to Elland Road.
West Ham are in active talks to sign El Khannouss’ Foxes teammate, Danish goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
According to several top reporters, there has reportedly been positive progress on West Ham signing Hermansen.
Now a double deal could be on the cards for the Hammers which would deliver a crushing blow to Leeds.
Journalist Ben Jacobs says Leeds United are the only team to have made a formal enquiry for technically gifted El Khannous.
Hammers to make move for Leeds target El Khannouss
But Jacobs also revealed West Ham are set to approach Leicester over a deal for El Khannouss, claiming it will be a ‘relatively easy deal’ because the attacking midfielder’s release clause is £22.5m.
Speaking on The Last Word on Spurs podcast, Jacobs revealed West Ham are pushing for El Khannouss ahead of rivals Tottenham – who have signed Mohammed Kudus from the Hammers.
Whether Leeds can see off competition from the Hammers – who have London life and playing in front of the second biggest crowd in the Premier League to offer – remains to be seen.
El Khannouss only arrived in England last year from Genk.
But despite Leicester’s relegation his talent has been there for all to see.