West Ham United want Jon Dagur Thornsteinsson as ownership twist emerges

West Ham have joined the transfer race to sign OH Leuven's Jon Dagur Thornsteinsson this summer, according to The Sunday Mirror.

The newspaper reported in its print edition [16 June, page 72] that the Hammers will need to fend off Leicester and Newcastle for the 25-year-old winger, who scored the only goal in Iceland's friendly over England on Friday 7 June.

It is understood that the Foxes have the upper hand due to them sharing owners with the Belgian side, though the Irons remain interested, with the player entering the final 12 months of his current contract.

A source close to Thornsteinsson said: "He has always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. I think he showed at Wembley that he's capable of playing at the highest level in England."

West Ham United target Englandslayer Jon Dagur Thornsteinsson

The Iceland winger has already proven himself against one of the favourites to win Euro 2024 in Germany, beating the likes of John Stones and Marc Guehi and slotting past Jordan Pickford.

It is no easy feat to score past the Three Lions shot-stopper, with Pickford experiencing a standout season with Everton. Only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool conceded fewer goals than the Toffees.

Since joining OH Leuven in July 2022, Thornsteinsson has notched 19 goals and 11 assists in 73 appearances, though his yellow card record of 17 may be a concern.

As a forward, however, he seems to be deadly in front of goal, as Gareth Southgate and his team learned very quickly before the Euros.

Given his ability to play anywhere across the front line, on either flank or as a centre-forward, the 25-year-old could fit seamlessly into Julen Lopetegui's starting lineup next season, though they will need to act fast.

Leicester are clearly at an advantage with the transfer, though the likes of Newcastle and West Ham have better chances of achieving success in the Premier League, with the Foxes only achieving promotion back to the division this season.

Could Thornsteinsson come back to haunt the England players in the Premier League next season? It's certainly a transfer to watch this summer.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers are revisiting a January transfer target as they look to beat Nottingham Forest to the signing.

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