West Ham United transfer news as frontrunners emerge in Jacob Greaves transfer race

West Ham United are trailing Ipswich Town in the summer transfer race for Hull City star Jacob Greaves, according to TEAMtalk.

The outlet reported on its website on Tuesday (2 July) that the newly promoted tractor boys are the frontrunners ahead of the Irons and Everton to secure the 23-year-old’s signature during the transfer window.

Kieran McKenna’s side plan to pip their Premier League rivals to the Hull centre-back by firming up their interest after they missed out on the signing of Joe Rodon as he completed a permanent move to Leeds United.

The Tigers value Greaves at around £13million this summer and he has reportedly caught the interest of the Irons as Julen Lopetegui looks to sure up his defence at the London Stadium [Jacob Steinberg, 29 April].

Are West Ham United close to any new summer transfers?

While a move for Greaves now appears to be slightly less likely this summer, it is clear that Lopetegui and Tim Steidten are eager to bolster West Ham’s backline before the Premier League gets back underway in a few weeks.

Both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd had mixed seasons last term under David Moyes, but there has been speculation that they could move on this summer as Lopetegui looks to put his own stamp on the squad after his appointment.

Should they depart, Konstantinos Mavropanos would be the only real option left at the London Stadium after Angelo Ogbonna departed at the end of the season. New centre-backs are a necessity and they need to be signed quickly.

West Ham United Julen Lopetegui
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui

Greaves fits the recruitment model given his profile and age. Maybe an official approach from Ipswich would be enough to spark the Hammers into life to act upon their own interest in the coming weeks.

If the Tractor Boys do come away with his signature, however, West Ham will quickly have to look to some alternative targets. They can’t start next season with the same leaky defence they ended the last.

In other West Ham news, Hull City’s owner has responded to the Hammers’ interest in Jaden Philogene live on air on talkSPORT

For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.