West Ham transfer round-up: Potter eyes triple signing, Banzuzi medical booked
Graham Potter is accelerating his transfer plans at West Ham United as the transfer window approaches its final two weeks.
The Hammers will prioritise a new striker before the window slams shut on 3 February [Sam Whetstone] after summer signing Niclas Fullkrug was confirmed to be sidelined for up to three months after the 2-1 loss against Aston Villa in the FA Cup (10 January).
As the plans in East London begin to take shape, West Ham Zone has rounded up all the news from 22 January.
Ezechiel Banzuzi flies to UK ahead of West Ham United signing
The Irons have agreed to a £10 million deal with an extra £3m in instalments to sign OH Leuven midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi [Rob Dorsett].
Banzuzi is expected to travel to the UK in the next 24 hours to complete medical tests ahead of a move to the London Stadium.
If all goes according to plan, the 19-year-old will be confirmed as Graham Potter’s first signing in East London by the end of the week.
West Ham United make move to sign Emanuel Emegha
Emanuel Emeghas has been tearing up Ligue 1 with nine-goal contributions in 13 appearances for Strasbourg, attracting interest from the London Stadium.
The Hammers have enquired about the 21-year-old’s availability this month [ExWHUEmployee] as Potter desperately seeks a replacement for Fullkrug.
It is believed the Ligue 1 outfit will not sanction an exit in the winter transfer window, with a summer sale more likely. However, the stance is subject to change should a big-money offer arrive.
Graham Potter wants three signings in East London
West Ham agreed to an “incentivised deal” to acquire analyst Kyle Macaulay from Chelsea to aid in the transfer dealings at the London Stadium [The Guardian].
Macaulay worked with Potter at Ostersund, Swansea, Brighton, and Chelsea and will work closely with Max Hahn throughout the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
Potter has tasked the pair to find a defender, deep-lying midfielder, and striker before the window slams shut on 3 February.
In other West Ham news, a ‘massive’ update has been shared on Tim Steidten’s future with the Irons.
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