West Ham and Spurs could both end up empty-handed as they lock horns after a club’s big announcement because the star they want may sign for Fulham instead.
Fulham have entered a transfer tussle between rivals West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur late in the day – and now look set to win it.
The Hammers need a major rebuild this summer but are yet to make any significant strides towards signings.
Spurs have completed a permanent deal for Mathys Tel and have shelled out £10m to make Thomas Frank – the man many West Ham fans wanted to replace David Moyes and Julen Lopetegui – their new boss.
West Ham and Spurs lock horns after club’s big announcement
Having secured Champions League football, Spurs have a major advantage over the likes of the Hammers and Fulham in the transfer market.
Daniel Levy recently warned Tottenham fans he can’t spend what the club don’t have – as reported by The Telegraph.
Meanwhile, in east London, West Ham’s owners have been making it perfectly clear the money well has run dry.
Sales are desperately needed to fund Graham Potter’s overhaul.
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To that end Tottenham are one of several clubs who have been linked with the man the Hammers are banking on to bring in most of their summer funds – Mohammed Kudus.
West Ham would prefer to sell Kudus to virtually anyone else, though, given there has been an unofficial transfer embargo between them and Tottenham for 14 years.
The free agent market is of great appeal to West Ham and Tottenham this summer.
Both clubs reportedly want to sign a versatile new full-back who can operate on both sides and also be equally adept at wing-back.
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Now West Ham and Spurs are locking horns after club’s big announcement but the star may snub both for Fulham.
All the way back in April it was reported West Ham had ‘agreed terms in principle’ to sign Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer.
But it was also claimed Spurs were trying to hijack the Hammers’ move in a bid to bring Walker-Peters back to north London.
Southampton have admitted defeat in getting Walker-Peters to sign a new deal at St Mary’s following their relegation.
“Bringing to an end a five-and-a-half year stay,” Southampton announced overnight.
“Thank you to Kyle Walker-Peters, who will leave the club at the end of his contract.”
Given Walker-Peters can play just as well at left-back and left wing-back as he can on his natural right side, he is perfect for what the Hammers and Spurs need.
Especially on a free transfer.
But the 28-year-old could spring a surprise by joining Fulham instead.
Hammers News understands West Ham have cooled interest in Walker-Peters in recent weeks.
That’s after being informed he prefers a move to another London club.
Many assumed that would be for a return to Spurs – as being speculated elsewhere.
Walker-Peters may snub West Ham and Spurs for Fulham
But in fact the potential departure of Kenny Tete from Fulham to Everton on a free transfer has opened up a space for Walker-Peters to be his replacement.
Game time would be limited for Walker-Peters in his natural position at West Ham – who have Aaron Wan-Bissaka – and Spurs, where Pedro Porro is first choice.
Fulham have been linked with Walker-Peters consistently over the last month or two.
And the former England star is doing little to play down speculation after posting a picture on his Instagram Stories enjoying a day out with Fulham stars, including Emile Smith-Rowe and Alex Iwobi.
The potential move means West Ham and Spurs would have to look elsewhere.
It also has potential ramifications for released Hammers right-back Vladimir Coufal, who has been heavily linked with Fulham too.
With left-back Emerson Palmieri up for sale at West Ham, Potter desperately needs a full-back who can play both sides because he can’t afford to sign two right now.