West Ham United may have clear run at signing Ronnie Edwards as Chelsea update emerges
West Ham have been regularly linked with Ronnie Edwards in recent months and may now have a clear run at signing the Peterborough United defender.
The Sun reported on 21 December that the Irons had a couple of bids rejected for Edwards in the summer window, the second said to be in the region of £4million.
Speaking earlier this year, as per BBC Sport, Peterborough director of football Barry Fry accepted the 20-year-old will eventually depart London Road “because he is class”.
West Ham may well consider an improved offer when the transfer window reopens in January, but there could easily be competition from other Premier League clubs.
Indeed, it was suggested on Wednesday (27 December) that Chelsea are also fans of the youngster and are weighing up whether to make a move of their own.
However, Chelsea academy expert Felix Johnston stated on Twitter [27 December] that is not the case, but West Ham appear to still be circling around the Harlow-born player.
Given the Irons’ interest just four months ago, and the fact Edwards’ stock has only risen this term – he has started all 23 League One games for second-placed Peterborough – it would not be surprising to see a new bid come in.
As The Sun reported [21 December], a slightly improved offer of £4.5m may be enough to land Edwards. That may sound like a lot for a third-tier player, but he is clearly someone who has a massive future.
With other top-flight sides now being linked, the Irons have to ensure they strike now or else that proposed £4.5m offer could easily rise once we approach next summer.
If United’s past success in terms of landing players from the Football League is anything to go by, this seems a no-brainer.
In other West Ham news, the Irons must take full advantage as a fifth Arsenal player has been ruled out of Thursday’s (28 December) contest.