Niclas Fullkrug to help Tim Steidten sign Mats Hummels for West Ham United ahead of Roma
Niclas Fullkrug could help West Ham sign Mats Hummels after his move to Roma stalled, according to Sean Whetstone.
The former Six Foot Two editor reacted via X on 3 September after Correire dello Sport reported the German was also evaluating interest from Galatasaray after an offer from the Stadio Olimpico.
According to Whetstone the Hammers have a chance to “pounce” and former Borussia Dortmund teammate Fullkrug, as well as technical director Tim Steidten, are tipped to use their connections to the World Cup-winning defender to push for a deal.
He wrote: “Matt Hummels move to Roma has stalled giving West Ham a chance to pounce. According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Roma have offered Hummels a contract until the end of the season with an option to renew, which can be triggered automatically if he plays in over 50% of matches in 2024-25.
“They offered him £40,000 per week to sign for them but a deal has not progressed. Galatasaray have also shown an interest but Hummels is well known Tim Steidten and Niclas Fullkrug and they could use their personal relationships with him to encourage him to join the Hammers.”
Julen Lopetegui wants West Ham signing, Joel Matip also eyed
If Fullkrug and Steidten are going to use their familiarity with Hummels, 35, they better get a move on as a move to Roma looks to be back on track.
Sky Sports Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio reported via X later on 3 September that a one-year deal is in the offing in Serie A.
That would come as a blow to Julen Lopetegui who is said to be eager to bring in some more centre-back depth after seeing Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma loaned out [Standard, 2 September].
If Hummels is off the market imminently it would seemingly raise the chances of former Liverpool defender Joel Matip arriving at the London Stadium amid ongoing talks with the 33-year-old.
Ex-Sheffield United man John Egan is also of interest [Dharmesh Sheth, 2 September] and would likely be the most affordable option.
While he and Matip both have Premier League experience they are also both coming off serious injuries, so the Irons will have to move extremely quickly to disrupt Hummel’s deal in Rome if they are concerned about fitness issues.
In other West Ham news, a Premier League could sign a Hammers ace permanently after a late loan exit was secured.
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