West Ham United move for Sergi Roberto complicated, he could be offered a two-year deal
West Ham United may be scuppered in their attempts to sign Sergi Roberto as a two-year contract offer could be tabled from Como, according to Sport.
The Catalan publication reported on page 8 of their 22 August edition that Julen Lopetegui’s side have not taken the “definitive step” in securing the former Barcelona stalwart, and now Como – coached by Roberto’s former Los Cules teammate Cesc Fabregas – are in pole position.
It was initially reported by Mundo Deportivo [14 August] that 32-year-old Roberto would have his pick of clubs after his emotional Barca farewell, which remains the case with interest from France, Germany and elsewhere in Italy.
West Ham United suffer in Sergi Roberto race
Despite the ambition shown by West Ham throughout the transfer window, a deal for Roberto looks to be a bridge too far.
And that is no shade on the calibre of the Hammers – they are after all considerably “bigger” than Serie A’s new boys Como – but the Fabregas factor will play a major part as the Barca man’s former teammate puts the cards on the table to bring him to a picturesque part of the world.
It appears the deal with Como, which will involve a second year contracted should the club remain in Serie A this season, has already been agreed [ESPN, 21 August].
The Irons now have just over a week to move onto other targets, and can be assured by the fact reinforcements have already been brought in around Roberto’s two main positions: central midfield and right-back.
Another deep-lying midfielder does look to be on the agenda, though, despite the arrival of Guido Rodriguez, who was one of just two new signings given a start by Lopetegui against Aston Villa last weekend.
Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is reportedly being tracked [TBR Football, 21 August], whilst talks have taken place for a loan-to-buy deal for PSG midfielder Carlos Soler [Florian Plettenburg, 21 August].
Tim Steidten has been anything but shy in his recruitment approach this summer, and do not expect that to let up anytime before 30 August.
In other West Ham news, Tom Rennie gives his thoughts on Konstantinos Mavropanos.
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