West Ham United: Pablo Fornals transfer twist emerges as Real Betis change January stance
Real Betis are in talks with West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals over a move before the January transfer window closes, according to Manolo Nieto.
The PTV Sevilla reporter provided the update on Zona Deporte, as shared via Twitter [23 January], regarding Fornals’ future at London Stadium.
Fornals is out of contract at the end of next season after the club recently triggered a 12-month extension in his existing deal.
Betis were originally planning to move for the playmaker in the summer, but Nieto added that they now want to bring his arrival forward to this month.
Chance to cash in
Fornals has made over 200 appearances in a West Ham shirt, but he may well be on his way out before the January transfer window closes.
Given the Spaniard is out of contract in less than 18 months’ time, the Hammers may well see this as a good opportunity to bring in some cash.
With Kalvin Phillips’ loan arrival from Manchester City imminent, plus one or two other big-money targets touted, United could do with some cash.
Once David Moyes has a full squad to choose from again – or something close to it – Fornals will not really get much of a look-in.
The 27-year-old has been restricted to just four Premier League starts this season, including in each of the Hammers’ past two matches.
That is down to the large number of absentees, and more specifically Mohammed Kudus being away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ghana.
If Betis are willing to pay a reasonable fee for Fornals over the next week or so, then it is worth the club seriously considering it.
In other West Ham news, Richard Keys was left fuming after something he saw involving the Hammers.
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