West Ham news round-up: Graham Potter confirms talks as ex-Newcastle player joins
West Ham are continuing to dominate the media amid ongoing talk surrounding Graham Potter’s future.
West Ham’s poor start continued with a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, which left the Hammers stranded in the relegation zone with just three points.
Potter is under huge pressure after winning just six of his 25 games in charge of West Ham, with fan protests taking place before the defeat to Palace.
With West Ham preparing to take on Everton on Monday night at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, West Ham Zone rounds up all the biggest news from the last 24 hours.
Graham Potter confirms talks with West Ham board amid sack rumours
The news around the Hammers right now is all about the future of Potter, with Nuno Espirito Santo lined up to replace him should David Sullivan choose to pull the trigger.
The former Chelsea man has been under pressure since the end of last season, when fans voiced their frustrations against Potter after a 3-2 defeat at Brighton.
Potter has confirmed he is aware of the rumours about him facing the sack, but is unfazed by them, claiming that he knew the pressures of the Premier League prior to his arrival in East London.
Potter said: “It doesn’t affect me. I don’t listen to that. It’s your job, and other people’s jobs, to create speculation and it’s part of the noise of the Premier League; it’s what you sign up for.
“So if results aren’t good, which they haven’t been and no one is shying away from that, the results aren’t what we want, then there’s always speculation.
“There’s always noise, there’s always negativity, and there’s nothing to complain about from my perspective.
“We’ve had positive talks but we all understand where we are at and we want to improve.
“As I said before, no one is happy with where we are at, but at the same time you have to look at the context and the situation and not get caught up in the noise.”
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will miss Everton trip
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to miss West Ham’s trip to Everton on Monday night due to a stomach issue.
The defender has missed the last two matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace due to the issue, and will also miss the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium as a result.
Tomas Soucek will also miss out on the trip to Merseyside through suspension after he was shown a straight red card against Spurs for a bad challenge on Joao Palhinha.
Potter said: “It will still be Aaron missing. He is still struggling with his stomach problem, but apart from that, everyone is available.”
West Ham sign Reece Byrne from Newcastle United
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Reece Byrne from Newcastle United after a successful trial at Rush Green.
Byrne arrives at the London Stadium on a one-year deal, with an option of an extra year included in the contract.
The Hammers have had a chaotic summer in terms of the goalkeeping department, seeing Lukas Fabianski leave after his contract expired and then return in September, while also signing Mads Hermansen from Leicester City.
Byrne said: “It’s an absolutely wonderful feeling, it’s hard to put into words.
“I’ve had a tough time with injuries over the last few years, so to be given a chance at such a massive club is something I’ll forever be grateful for. I can’t wait to get started and kick on, hopefully, please God.
“To be back at a club like West Ham, I’m lost for words. I’m quite emotional, because it means that extra bit more. I want it more than I did before. It’s almost like a second coming for me, because six months ago I didn’t know where I was going to be.
Head of Academy goalkeeping Billy Lepine said: “We’re really impressed with his character, he’s got plenty of experience from the Irish national team and his spells at Bohemians and Newcastle.
“He’s had to show resilience after his injuries, but he’s recovered well and we’re pleased to have him in the group. Having a player who’s dealt with adversity and can share that perspective with the younger lads is very positive.
“As a goalkeeper, he’s clean and decisive with his feet. He can break lines with passes into midfield, he’s got a good range, and as a big lad he’s got excellent reach and the ability to make top saves.”
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Ham United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @westhamzone247