Report: Sullivan Jnr the key to West Ham transfer swoop
It certainly seems as if the January transfer market has swung into full gear for West Ham United, with much noise coming out of the London Stadium.
There have been numerous names that have already been linked with a switch to east London, but none as persistently as Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes.
A deal to sign the 20-year-old is thought to be close to being completed, although the Irons do face some competition for his signature.
The Hammers have a trump card, though. That’s because Football Insider reported on Tuesday that David Sullivan Jnr, the son of the club’s co-owner David Sullivan, has played a pivotal part in negotiations for the Portugal international.
Sullivan Jnr was among a group of representatives sent by West Ham to Portugal last year to strike up relationships with clubs and agents.
And it is believed that these contacts have been vital as the club have moved into pole position to sign the youngster.
Fresh talks are expected to be held on Tuesday as the east London outfit look to thrash out a deal for the midfielder.
West Ham Zone’s View
This is why you take the time out to do things like this, to cultivate relationships far and wide. It’s because it could end up paying dividends later, as it appears it will with Fernandes.
This certainly isn’t a done deal, far from it at this stage. But Football Insider’s report does suggest that the Irons have the edge in the race to sign the youngster.
Further talks will be held on Tuesday and, to be honest, with this pre-existing relationship already in place, it’s hard to see the midfielder not ending up at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, the club are thought to have hit a stumbling block in another transfer pursuit.