West Ham hold transfer summit, three signings lined up as Potter ally arrives
West Ham United have appointed Graham Potter’s former “recruitment guru” Kyle Macaulay to join him from Chelsea, according to The Sun.
On page 46 of Thursday’s print edition (23 January), it was reported that Macaulay has again joined forces with Potter across London at a crucial time, with three winter signings lined up before the window slams shut on 3 February.
Injuries and suspensions have really decimated Potter’s short reign so far at the London Stadium, heading into Sunday’s visit to Aston Villa (26 January) with just one fit striker and one fit centre-half.
Macaulay previously worked with the new Irons head coach during their time at Stamford Bridge, as efforts are made around the clock to strengthen an underperforming squad.
West Ham aim for three signings before 3 February deadline
West Ham have struggled this season for consistency, discipline, fitness – and ultimately Premier League football.
It has been severely underwhelming for Hammers fans who cut a figure of excitement and anticipation ahead of the start of the season, despite reservations over the appointment of Julen Lopetegui – who lasted 22 games before being axed for Potter.
The 14th-placed East Londoners have faced two derbies with cross-city opponents in Fulham and Crystal Palace since the new boss’ arrival, with a win followed up by yet another dismal defeat; Potter’s first game also came at Sunday’s venue, Villa Park, where they were knocked out of the FA Cup (10 January).
A centre-half, a midfielder and a striker make up a shopping list for West Ham which they have very little time to complete. Efforts have been publicly made to swoop for Villa frontman Jhon Duran – who scored the winner in the season opener at the London Stadium and could face the Hammers again this weekend.
The transfer activity in the East End over last summer was the closest to a “madness” the Irons have reached in the market since the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano arrivals back in 2006, and we could be seeing plenty of twists and turns before the deadline hits in 11 days’ time.
In other West Ham news, Lopetegui has been linked with a high-profile international job.
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