West Ham transfer news: Player set to ‘undergo’ Hammers medical on Friday, Arsenal ‘seal’ striker deal
West Ham United are looking to get their first deal of the summer across the line.
The Irons are still leading the race to sign goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who is being linked with a move to Newcastle United.
Earlier in the week, there had been reports that Newcastle United were leading the race to sign the goalkeeper - who the Hammers loaned from PSG last year and was the first choice during the Europa League campaign.
Newcastle’s interest looked to be gathering steam but West Ham United are still in pole position to sign the goalkeeper, with David Moyes determined to keep the competition between the French goalkeeper and Lukasz Fabianski going.
Areola is on £125,000-a-week-wages, but West Ham only currently pays £25,000, meaning he will have to take a significant pay cut if he was to make his move to east London permanent.
Reports say Areola is likely to accept a wage in the region of £85,000, even though that might be high for a second choice goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper returned to London on Tuesday, prompting discussions that he was in to seal a deal but he flew out almost immediately on a private jet, posting a picture of himself and his family on their way to holiday.
Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...
1. Palace favourites for Wan-Bissaka
Crystal Palace are firm favourites to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan from Manchester United this summer. (90min)
2. De Vrij in demand
Aston Villa are set to join Manchester United in the pursuit of Inter Milan centre-back Stefan de Vrij. (Sport Italia)
3. Nketiah signs new deal
Arsenal have sealed Eddie Nketiah’s future after the striker agreed a new long-term contract at the club. (Evening Standard)
4. Magpies plot Pope raid
Newcastle United are interested in signing Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope this summer, with the England international keen to remain in the Premier League. (Sky Sports)