West Ham are ready to launch a move for Fulham captain Tom Cairney, according to The Sun.
The national newspaper’s print edition (January 5th, Saturday, page 63) claims that the Hammers will have to spend £25million to sign the midfielder who they’ve made two attempts to sign previously when David Moyes was in charge.
The Sun report that the injury to Manuel Lanzini is a factor in their decision to pursue Cairney once again but that Fulham are set to resist any bids as they believe the 27-year-old has a key part to play in helping them avoid relegation this season.
Good move for West Ham?
Not when you consider Cairney’s valuation is apparently £25million according to this report.
The midfielder has struggled to standout in the Premier League so far this season after wowing in the Championship in his 2017/18 campaign and that should act as a red flag for the Hammers.
While it may be argued that Cairney has struggled to deliver the goods in England’s top-flight due to playing for a team battling relegation or because he has injury problems, it should still be enough to put Manuel Pellegrini off him.
The 27-year-old is a slick passer of the ball but given his chequered injury record, it would be a huge risk to invest £25million in signing him.
ThisIsFutbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
No.
While the Hammers may once again be willing to attempt to sign Cairney, which is believable based on their previous bids, it’s hard to see them stumping up the amount of money that would see Fulham part with their captain.
The creative midfielder may not have excelled in his 17 outings across all campaigns this season, but that doesn’t mean Fulham don’t have faith in him to improve his form.
While The Sun claims £25million could get a deal done despite also stating the Cottagers will resist any bids, it would be a surprise if Cairney rocked up at the London Stadium anytime soon.
ThisIsFutbol rating: 3/10