Newcastle have taken steps to ‘hijack’ West Ham United move for Alphonse Areola
Newcastle United have made a move to “hijack” West Ham United’s imminent transfer for Alphonse Areola as reported by RMCSport.
It had been revealed by Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday 14 June that the Hammers were progressing in talks with the 29-year-old with a “willingness” from all parties to get a deal over the line.
However, a report from RMCSport in France on Tuesday 14 June has suggested that the Magpies are taking steps to “hijack” the Hammers’ move for the keeper.
Big blow
It remains to be seen where Areola will end up next season but if David Moyes misses out on the Frenchmen to Newcastle United it will be a huge blow to his early transfer business.
A move for the keeper would ease a transfer headache for Moyes with the 29-year-old potentially a long-term replacement for Łukasz Fabiański.
Areola would be a value signing that would allow Moyes to focus his transfer budget elsewhere.
West Ham do have the advantage with the keeper potentially more settled in London after his loan spell at the London Stadium in the 2021/22 campaign.
However, Newcastle do have the added spending power and could easily trump whatever West Ham are prepared to offer the keeper.
If the 29-year-old uses the Newcastle interest as a bargaining tool to ask for higher wages from the Hammers then the Irons should look elsewhere.
Moyes cannot afford to waste a penny in this transfer window as he looks to revamp his squad and maintain the Hammers as consistent top-six contenders.
In other West Ham news, Hammers make enquiry for double swoop and hope for answers this week.
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