West Ham’s transfer window has already had a certain amount of controversy, with Brazilian goal keeper Victor John – by some reports – left stranded with his deal to East London apparently falling through at the last minute.
The Hammers, in their pursuit of Potter’s number one goal keeper target Mads Hermansen, used the classic Tim Stediten playbook of convincing the main seller – Leicester City – to lower their price expectations by drumming up an ‘alleged phantom bid’ for an alternative target.
Poor John appeared to be the ‘phantom’ that enabled West Ham’s Mads Hermansen deal to be concluded with the Foxes prepared in the end to deal at a very realistic £15 million.
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Now Dutch former champions Ajax have raised concerns that they were themselves being used as the lever to speed up a transfer for West Ham’s Edson Alvarez.
Insidefutbol.com’s article claims that Ajax :”Feel [their] Name ‘Being Used To Urge’ Other Clubs To Sign West Ham Star….and feel that they were ‘being used to urge’ other suitors to hurry up.”
Their report claims Ajax were never serious about the Mexican as his salary was completely out of reach, but exaggerated to put other clubs under pressure to act quickly to secure an agreement.
Conflicting reports this afternoon claim that an agreement is just about in place for Alvarez to head off to Fenerbahce if the player himself accepts the terms, whilst other articles suggest the deal is still not concluded owing to the £5million – plus loan fee West Ham are demanding, and Alvarez’ hankering still for a return to the Dutch champions.
Indeed, just this evening new reports have surfaced linking Borussia Dortmund with a last minute attempt to bid for Alvarez ahead of his Fenerbahce loan – more when we have it.