Manchester United hit FIFA snag in bid to beat West Ham United to new signing
West Ham have been given a lifeline by FIFA in their transfer race with Manchester United to sign youngster James Overy, according to Alan Nixon.
The journalist reported on his Patreon page (21 July) that despite Manchester United offering the Australian a deal and finding his family a house in Cheshire, FIFA rules have delayed his registration.
Overy had already signed with non-league side Newton Abbot Spurs upon moving to England, and FIFA rules state that he is not allowed to sign with another club within 16 weeks of this development.
With that being viewed as a “bridge transfer”, the Red Devils’ attempted signing of Overy has now been delayed, after both the Hammers and Everton also expressed interest in the Perth-born starlet.
West Ham could still beat Manchester United to James Overy
While it’s clear that Manchester United have made the most progress in their bid to sign Overy this summer, FIFA’s latest ruling suggests the Irons could still wade in to secure a deal for the Australian.
The Hammers and Everton reportedly hadn’t expressed much interest in Overy since his move to the UK, but given his move to Manchester could now publicly be in jeopardy [The Sun, 20 July], there’s no better time to pounce.
Overy’s current club Newton Abbot Spurs may be closer to the London Stadium than it is to Old Trafford or Goodison Park, but being in Devon, a relocation will be necessary for the Australian regardless.
Whether a move for his family is included in any proposal offered by the Irons remains to be seen, but given that was a part of the deal to take him to Old Trafford, such conditions are likely a must.
Despite FIFA’s latest intervention, it still looks like Overy will move to Manchester [Manchester Evening News 17 June], and thus time is running out for the Hammers to seal a deal of their own for the 17-year-old.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers may vary their training routines as they have made an approach to sign a £70m-rated player this summer.
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