Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden is West Ham’s top target to bolster their midfield despite holding weeks of talks over Greek international Kostas Fortounis, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Newcastle 24-year-old is now the Hammers’ prime objective to bolster their midfield with Andre Gomes set to move permanently to Everton, although have been working on a deal for Olympiakos ace Fortounis.
It is stated that West Ham have told the Greek side they will pay no more than £15million for the 42-cap talent, with Hayden their preferred signing thanks to his homegrown status.
Opinion
West Ham will get a midfielder over the line this summer, that seems a certainty, but it is not yet clear as to who they will be getting on board. Hayden would be a savvy signing having proven his abilities at Newcastle over the last 12 months, with the 24-year-old one of the Magpies’ top performers. However, his asking price might be a little higher than the Irons are willing to meet right now, hence why they are negotiating for Fortounis. The duo are very different in style, the Olympiakos man an attacking midfielder while Hayden is a defensive enforcer in the middle of the park, so it seems strange they would consider signing one or the other. A little bit of spark is needed in the centre and so maybe Fortounis is the player they need more right now. Either would be a good arrival but Manuel Pellegrini needs to nail down what he wants for next season.