'Here we go' - West Ham beat Fulham and Liverpool to 'outstanding' £25m Leeds United coup

West Ham have beaten Fulham and Liverpool to the signing of last season's Championship Player of the Season, Crysencio Summerville, from Leeds United.

The 22-year-old plundered 19 goals in the second tier last season, blowing away the division as the Whites' missed out on automatic promotion places and endured play-off heartbreak. The Hammers are reported to have agreed a deal with Leeds United and the player this week.

That's according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano this week, with the specialist giving the move his 'here we go' treatment, pointing to an imminent confirmation from the clubs. Taking to social media platform X, Romano wrote: "Crysencio Summerville to West Ham, here we go! Deal in place between clubs for package in excess of £25m with add-ons.

"Summerville agreed on long term deal and he also spoke to Lopetegui ahead of move. Leeds United accepted the proposal and he’s now set to sign."

Julen Lopetegui has been in the market for a winger this summer as he prepares for a debut season in charge at the London Stadium. The signing of Summerville represents a major coup for the Spaniard with Premier League rivals Fulham and Liverpool among several top flight sides linked with interest.

West Ham have already strengthened at the back with the £40 million signing of Max Kilman from Wolves, the centre-back arriving in London to be reunited with Lopetegui. Luis Guilherme has also come through the doors for around £25 million but the young Brazilian is perhaps more of an investment for the future at just 18 years old.

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Summerville is the kind of player who could compete for a place in the starting XI immediately and would add an option for Lopetegui as question marks remain over the future of Lucas Paqueta. Star men Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus have also been linked with big-money moves away but both seem likely to stay at West Ham.

Summerville was linked with an exit from Yorkshire 12 months ago following relegation last season but stayed with the club and proved his importance. Speaking about the player earlier this year, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke said: “He is playing an outstanding season in terms of performances, end product and also his willingness to work for the team, to be there and deliver on a daily basis even in training, otherwise you can’t deliver consistency in this league.

“You have to be on it each and every day on the training pitch but also with good habits in nutrition, sleep and recovery. We don’t have to speak about the potential of Cree, the sky is the limit with his potential but to show consistency this is crucial. It’s no coincidence he has delivered many end products.”