West Ham View: Hammers must not be disheartened after latest reported transfer setback
WEST HAM ZONE VIEW
The Hammers have failed in a bid to land Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, according to Claret & Hugh, but they must not be disheartened by the setback.
The Irons had tabled a bid of £7 million for the stopper, according to Football Insider.
The club have been heavily linked with a move for Middlesbrough stopper Darren Randolph, but now face a decision on whether or not to pull the plug on that deal after the Irish international had to undergo a second medical, as per Football Insider.
And it would appear that they had planned to take out an insurance policy of sorts with a move for Etheridge.
The 29-year-old was left out of his side’s 0-0 draw with Swansea City on Sunday afternoon amid growing uncertainty over his future in the Welsh capital.
Etheridge’s omission prompted Cardiff manager Neil Harris to tell BBC Sport: “There’s been a lot of talk around Neil, not just in this window, but in the previous window as well.”
But it would appear that they may have to put in an improved bid if they are to land their man.
Etheridge did impress immensely during his lone season in the Premier League with Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds might have gone back down the Championship at the first time of asking, but Etheridge was an ever present for the Welsh side, reaching double figures for clean sheets despite the fact that they lost 24 times in 38 matches, as per the Premier League themselves.
Similarly, he made 141 saves over the course of the season, including three from the spot.
But there are issues.
Clearly Cardiff do not want to sell, but in light of Harris’ comments, and because he was omitted at the weekend, you would assume that the club could be persuaded to change their mind – for the right price.
Any bid in excess of the £7 million that was rejected would be a lot to pay for a goalkeeper who you would expect to play second fiddle to Lukasz Fabianski most of the time, and so you would have to question whether or not it would be good value.
Bearing in mind how badly things went the last time the big Pole got injured, however, and with him being taken off again on Friday night, it might be worth coughing up that little bit extra just for the insurance of having a goalkeeper of Etheridge’s standard on hand.
In other news, ‘Unbelievable’ – Manager comments on concerns over West Ham move for ‘outstanding’ player.