'Very expensive' - West Ham bid for 'outstanding' Leeds United star threatened by Fulham

West Ham have launched a bid to sign Leeds United forward and last season's Championship Player of the Year, Crysencio Summerville.

Any deal for the highly-rated 22-year-old would represent a major coup for Julen Lopetegui as he prepares for his debut season in charge at The London Stadium. The Dutch youngster blew away the second tier last season as he plundered 19 goals and notched nine assists with Leeds United narrowly missing out on promotion.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano broke the news of official Hammers interest on Monday. Taking to social media platform X, he wrote: "West Ham have submitted initial proposal to Leeds United for Crysencio Summerville. Talks took place also on player side, but still not close, considered very expensive.

"AS Roma have also included Summerville in their list but only in case Soulé deal doesn’t happen."

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.

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.

Any transfer attempt to land Summerville could be rivalled by Fulham. Just hours after confirmed West Ham interest emerged, Sky Sports reported that the Cottagers are showing 'initial interest' in the Leeds United man.

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Any negotiations could become stuck on a transfer fee with Sky adding that there is a 'big gap in valuations' between the Premier League clubs and Leeds United with the player still having two years on his contract at Elland Road.

Summerville was linked with an exit from Yorkshire 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.”