West Ham want to sign Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall
Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall is on the radar of West Ham United, who may make a move for the 25-year-old before the January deadline, according to The Athletic.
Worrall came through the youth ranks at the City Ground and has been a regular feature of the Reds backline but he could be in line for a big move.
West Ham may hope that Forest’s interest in 21-year-old Emmanuel Longelo, as reported by ExWHUEmployee on the West Ham Way podcast, can help them seal a deal for Worrall.
“Longelo’s potential move to Forest, which we exclusively broke to you all, is still being discussed with other clubs showing an interest in the player as well as other academy players discussing loan moves as we speak too,” said Ex.
“Longelo could be allowed to leave on a permanent deal and the fee is currently being negotiated.”
The Athletic’s latest update somewhat breezes past the mention of Worrall but seems to confirm the Hammers’ interest.
“…highly regarded defender Joe Worrall, who remains the subject of top-flight interest from West Ham United…” Paul Taylor writes.
Play smart
This is a big chance to get much needed central defensive cover at a cut price and West Ham need to be smart in how they go about negotiations.
Steve Cooper, Nottingham Forest manager, is a shrewd negotiator himself but he could have his arm twisted with the potential of Longelo being included in the deal.
It might seem almost inhumane to be seen using a player as a bargaining tool but at 21 years of age, Longelo probably doesn’t have a future at the club and Forest’s interest could be the move he needs.
It just so happens that there is a player at the City Ground that David Moyes wants and everything seems to be falling into place.
The Hammers should be in a good place to complete a deal with some of the money shaved off with Longelo heading in the opposite direction.
In other West Ham news, the Ukrainian manager is worried about one of his stars currently at the London Stadium.