West Ham and Newcastle United sent Fabrizio Romano transfer update ahead of kick-off

West Ham and Newcastle United have been linked with transfer interest in AC Milan striker Tammy Abraham and Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the player’s availability in the hours ahead of the Premier League clash between the two sides tonight.

The Hammers host the Magpies at the London Stadium and are looking to complete the double over Eddie Howe’s men, having won 2-0 at St James’ Park in November. Graham Potter’s side are buoyed by back-to-back wins against Arsenal and Leicester City in the top flight and could jump to 13th in the table with a victory.

The visitors will have their attention on this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool but still have plenty to play for in the Premier League as they compete for a European place. Newcastle United currently sit ninth in the table, just two points off the top six.

West Ham host Newcastle United amid transfer talk

All eyes will be on the action at the London Stadium tonight but, ahead of kick off, it is transfer talk that occupies attention. Former Chelsea man Abraham is said to be a target for both West Ham and Newcastle United. Calciomercato claimed over the weekend that the London outfit had already opened talks with Roma over a potential summer move for the player, who has scored 37 goals for the club since arriving from Chelsea in 2021 - he is on loan at AC Milan this term.

That report claims that West Ham are frontrunners to sign Abraham this summer given their talks with the striker’s agent. Potter managed to bring in Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton in January but that is just a temporary deal. With £27 million Niclas Fullkrug plagued by injury and Michail Antonio not his most prolific even before his horror injury, the need for a talisman remains.

Writing in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Fabrizio Romano has admitted that a Premier League return for Abraham is a possibility, with Newcastle United and Everton also named as potential suitors by the outlet.

AC Milan get first dibs on former Chelsea man

Romano did suggest that the first call will be with AC Milan, who could look to keep the player permanently, but Abraham has only bagged two Serie A goals for the team in 23 outings. He wrote: "It's a possibility, but all depends on Milan now. They must decide whether they want to keep him from Roma or let him go back to the club, and it will be up to the new director they're about to appoint soon."

Abraham scored 30 goals in 82 Chelsea appearances and also played for Swansea City in the Premier League. The striker initially flourished when moving to Italy with Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini praising the player in 2022.

Pellegrini said: “Tammy was very courageous, at his age, having not always played at Chelsea but still doing well when he did, and after winning the Champions League, to leave and put himself to the test, to accept a new challenge.

“I’ve always said that with the right application, work, commitment and mentality, he can become one of the best strikers in the world. Tammy has incredible potential. Last season he produced impressive numbers. Besides being a great player, being with him in the dressing room is a pleasure - he’s vital for our group.”

In other news, former West Ham and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has been linked with a sensational return to Premier League management.