Andy Irving offers in-bound with West Ham United reluctant to discuss immediate exit
West Ham are expected to receive more enquiries from clubs seeking to sign Andy Irving before the transfer window shuts, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.
The outlet reported on their website on 16 August that the 24-year-old has already been subject to an approach from Europa League winners Atalanta, who are said to see him as a player who can help them in Serie A and the Champions League.
La Liga’s Espanyol have also been in contact with the Irons and are “not short of ambition”, with other clubs still expected to come forward and test the resolve at the London Stadium.
West Ham see Irving, who has yet to make his debut for the club, as a long-term signing but have been reluctant to discuss a move away so far.
Julen Lopetegui has been impressed by the former Austria Klagenfurt loanee’s technical ability and passing style.
Julen Lopetegui may give Andy Irving West Ham debut v Aston Villa
Even with Edson Alvarez missing after he was injured playing for Mexico at the Copa America this summer there are a lot of options for Lopetegui in central midfield.
Guido Rodriguez’s arrival on a free transfer has potentially pushed Tomas Soucek towards a late exit before the deadline [GiveMeSport, 14 August].
And there have also been questions raised over last summer’s acquisition from Southampton, James Ward-Prowse, as he is not seen as fitting the new manager’s style despite a strong debut campaign under David Moyes [GiveMeSport, 6 June].
Should either of the pair leave the London Stadium before 30 August, as Tim Steidten looks to follow up his impressive incoming business with the necessary outgoings, it would help keep Irving in the rotation.
But with Rodriguez likely to start and both Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta capable of playing in a deeper role there could be a crowded field as things stand.
If Irving features in the opening games of the campaign he should have an opportunity to follow up some impressive displays in preseason and stay in Lopetegui’s thoughts, but it doesn’t look like he will be short of options if not.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are ready to table a new bid for another striker and it will be accepted.
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