Fabrizio Romano shares West Ham United state of play amid £35m Manuel Locatelli transfer rumours
There has been no movement on Manuel Locatelli signing for West Ham despite recent reports suggesting otherwise, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported in his Daily Briefing on Sunday (29 October) that the 25-year-old midfielder is close to reaching an agreement over a new contract with Juventus.
He added that he is “not aware of any different movement” for the Italian international despite TuttoJuve claiming on Friday (27 October) that the Hammers were ready to pay £34.8million to sign him.
“Although there have been rumours that West Ham are willing to pay £35m for Manuel Locatelli, I’ve reported that he’s close to reaching an agreement over a new deal at Juventus,” said Romano. “At the moment I’m not aware of any different movement, maybe in the summer but not now.”
No deal
It appears as though Locatelli is no closer to signing for West Ham following Romano’s update despite reports claiming a bid was set to be put in.
The journalist usually has his figure on the pulse with most transfer dealings, particularly in his native Italy, so you would think his information is correct.
The Hammers have, however, been linked with a few different midfielders lately, suggesting that the club could be on the lookout for another player in that position.
It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise given that Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek are the only senior options in that department and there have been rumours circulating around the latter’s future at the London Stadium.
Romano did suggest that a deal for Locatelli could be a possibility next summer, though, so it’s something to keep an eye on further down the line.
In other West Ham news, an £8million development has emerged in the club’s bid to sign Kalvin Phillips.