West Ham United eye Niclas Fulkrug transfer as Jhon Duran exit update emerges
Borussia Dortmund attacker Niclas Fulkrug is a potential target for West Ham United before the transfer deadline, according to Dharmesh Sheth.
The Sky Sports journalist reported via X on Monday (29 July) that while the Hammers retain an interest in Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, the German international is now being targeted by Julen Lopetegui’s side.
West Ham remain keen on Duran, but there is a gap between the Irons’ and the Villans’ valuations of the Colombian striker and the same is true when it comes to Villarreal forward Alexander Sorloth who has been targeted.
The 31-year-old featured for Germany during Euro 2024 and scored twice including the fourth strike in the home side’s demolition of Scotland at the start of the tournament.
Will West Ham United sign Niclas Fulkrug amid Jhon Duran exit update
It is common knowledge that the Hammers are in the market for a new number nine this summer and while Duran had appeared to be the top candidate, it does seem as though the Irons are beginning to look elsewhere.
Fulkrug may be a fair bit older than the Colombian international and he is heading towards the twilight of his career, but he showed both at the Euros and last season with Dortmund that he still knows how to lead a line effectively.
Given his age and the limited time left on his contract with the Bundesliga giants, it wouldn’t be a shock if the German international was available for a much cheaper fee than Duran or even Sorloth this summer.
This deal would represent a departure from the Irons’ recent recruitment model which has seen them target younger players with future sell-on value, so the conditions of any potential transfer would have to be too good to turn down.
It will be interesting to see if Villa lower their asking price for Duran if West Ham begin to explore other targets.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have reportedly agreed a deal for a massive upgrade on Vladimir Coufal this summer
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