West Ham have opened preliminary talks with Chelsea over signing one of three England internationals on loan-to-buy deals, according to a club insider.
Ex-WHU Employee, who is a very reliable source of Hammers news, has claimed in a transfer column for the West Ham Way site that the club have “spoken” to their London rivals about taking one of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley or Danny Drinkwater for next season.
Ex-WHU Employee explains it is “clear” at least one of the trio will be allowed to leave for the 2018-19 campaign and West Ham are looking for a loan-to-buy deal.
Good move for West Ham?
Yes, definitely. Of course, the numbers would need to add up – each of the England internationals would come with a hefty loan fee and the Hammers would need to contribute to most, if not all of their salary – but each of the three is good enough to be a regular starter at the London Stadium. Loftus-Cheek’s star is rising after playing in both of England World Cup matches and making a good impression with his strong running and excellent technique, but attacking midfielder Barkley and central midfielder Drinkwater are also proven Premier League players. Both had 2017-18 seasons to forget, but could get their careers back on track at West Ham. Barkley and Loftus-Cheek would be the most exciting captures, but Drinkwater would bolster the central midfield, a position that Manuel Pellegrini badly needs to strengthen.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
Chelsea appear to have a surplus of numbers (nothing unusual in that for a club who hoover up talent year after year), but much will depend upon the views of the new manager as the club appear ready to wave goodbye to Antonio Conte after two season. West Ham have a good chance to land one of the three if they are made available for loan, given their geographical proximity and they are not a top-four rival to the west Londoners.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10