Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that West Ham United are set to re-open discussions with Tomas Soucek over a new contract.
The Hammers have already acted to enhance their squad with the permanent arrivals of centre-back Nayef Aguerd and Alphonse Areola in goal, but they seem intent on tying down one of their established stars this summer.
The Sun recently cast doubt over the 6ft 4in “man mountain” and his future in east London as the two parties failed to come to an agreement on fresh terms.
It suggested that the £47k-per-week star could be sold for an offer in the region of £30m, which led to supposed interest from Everton, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, while he is also a name mentioned in recruitment meetings at Tottenham Hotspur.
Talks were said to have been put on hold by the order of manager David Moyes as the club concentrated on the remaining weeks of last season, while some reports have claimed that there has been a minor rift between the manager and the player, with the 52-cap Czech Republic ace expecting an improved offer.
And with Jones having previously claimed that there were figures at West Ham keen on extending Soucek’s deal, he has now said that the Irons will discuss fresh terms with Soucek and that the east Londoners haven’t given up on concluding negotiations over a new long-term contract.
He told GiveMeSport: “I think there’s still another round of talks to be done with Soucek at West Ham.
“I think that they’re not done with it and they’re not accepting that this is over.”
TIF Thoughts on Soucek and West Ham…
Would you sell Tomas Soucek this summer if you were David Moyes?
Yes
No
The 2020/21 Hammer of the Year has still two years to run on his current deal which should ease any immediate concern among West Ham supporters.
However, having formed a formidable pairing in the centre of the pitch at the London Stadium with Declan Rice, Irons followers will no doubt be hoping he sticks around.
He has made 105 appearances for West Ham, and in his two full seasons at the club since his £18m move from Slavia Prague, the Hammers have achieved finishes of sixth and seventh.
Although he wasn’t been able to match his fine goalscoring exploits from the 2020/21 season, he did score six times last term, and according to FBRef, compared to players in a similar position over the past year, he has emerged as one of the best box-to-box midfielders, ranking in the top 1% for clearances and the top 2% for aerial duels won.
Meanwhile, his 0.14 non-penalty expected goals value also places him in the 91st percentile in that area, further highlighting what the Hammers would be missing out on if they were unable to convince Soucek to extend.