Hammers News

Thomas Frank is never going to speak out publicly on Tottenham Hotspur’s desire to sign Mohammed Kudus from bitter Premier League rivals West Ham United.

That is just not the way business tends to be concluded these days. And, in Frank, Spurs have got themselves one of the true gentlemen of English football.

However, you only need to go back a few months in order to gain some idea of what the former Brentford boss thinks about a man who could soon become the first since Scott Parker 14 years ago to leave David Sullivan’s clutches and walk into the arms of Daniel Levy.

Fabrizio Romano claims that talks are ongoing between Tottenham and Kudus. Further reports say that the former Ajax ace is open to joining Spurs, seemingly unbothered by what this would mean for his reputation among a West Ham United fanbase whose love has already wavered thanks to a 2024/25 campaign full of underwhelming performances and a few disciplinary issues.

Now, Thomas Frank did not go into great detail regarding his feelings about Kudus back in February. But, clearly, the man who turned Brentford from Championship nearly-men into an established Premier League outfit is a keen admirer of who could become his first marquee addition in charge of the Europa League holders.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is a fan of West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus

Frank was speaking ahead of West Ham’s 1-0 home defeat by Brentford in the winter.

As it happens, Kudus was hardly at his brilliant best on that February afternoon. Graham Potter felt only Ollie Scarles, James Ward-Prowse and Evan Ferguson performed anywhere near the standards required during another underwhelming outing for a man who ended the season with only five goals and four assists to his name.

Yet, speaking pre-match, Thomas Frank had nothing but praise for a Hammers frontline which, while impressive on paper, became increasingly frustrating in practice.

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“West Ham, in my opinion, offensively and defensively, have clear principles in all phases. They want to control more and more of the ball, and they have some top players,” Frank said. “Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen are really, really good.”

Frank would then reminisce about Bowen’s days at Hull City, having come across the now-West Ham skipper during his own spell in the second tier.

Now, Jarrod Bowen has been heavily linked with Tottenham himself, even if father-in-law Danny Dyer would burn London to the ground to stop that from happening. It is Kudus who now looks destined to take a path walked by a lonely Scott Parker all those years ago, however.

Spurs close in on Kudus as West Ham need the cash

A club source, speaking to Hammers News, confirmed this week that West Ham may have to accept Tottenham’s offer simply because few other clubs are willing to meet that £60 million price-tag.

Cashing in on Kudus feels like a necessary evil, then, for a cash-strapped outfit who must raise funds for new signings.

“A lot of interest in him. West Ham maybe have to get creative, they maybe have to sell a few players to give Graham Potter the funds to go and invest and re-shape that squad,” reporter Mark McAdam says in a Sky Sports update on Tuesday.

“Mohammed Kudus is one of those players.”

McAdam adds that Tottenham turned to Kudus after Bryan Mbeumo chose Manchester United.

“We know there is interest from Tottenham Hotspur,” he explains. “We know that they are looking to try and add players out wide. They want a versatile forward threat which Mohammed Kudus would be, someone who can play in multiple positions across the frontline.”

It is no secret that Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United. Thus, making the Ghana international the first player to swap the Hammers for Spurs since Scott Parker 14 years ago.

Exactly why Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, though, can be summed up best by Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

The Europa League winners missed out on Bryan Mbeumo; Manchester United taking some semblance of revenge as the Brentford winger looks to complete his long-awaited switch to Old Trafford.

Now, Mbeumo and Kudus are hardly two peas borne out of the same footballing pod.

The former is an out-and-out right-winger in the Mo Salah mould. The latter, however, is harder to quantify. Not quite a midfielder, nor a number ten, a winger or a centre-forward but a combination of all four roles.

And, while Kudus can be ‘unplayable’ on his day, a tally of five goals across the 2024/25 Premier League season pales in comparison to Mbeumo’s twenty.

Going from the Brentford talisman to West Ham’s former Ajax ace, then, almost feels like going into Argos in pursuit of a kettle and coming out with an air fryer.

But, as Kudus opens himself up to Tottenham’s advances, it is that aforementioned flexibility ‘across the frontline’ which could encourage Daniel Levy to part with the £60 million West Ham want.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in West Ham United ace Mohammed Kudus explained

A club source, speaking to Hammers News, confirms that Kudus may be allowed to seal a controversial switch across London simply because offers in the £60 million region have been few and far between.

And with West Ham under pressure to ease their Profit and Sustainability concerns, letting Kudus follow in Scott Parker’s footsteps may be the sort of necessary evil required to jolt their summer into life.

“A lot of interest in him. West Ham maybe have to get creative, they maybe have to sell a few players to give Graham Potter the funds to go and invest and re-shape that squad,” McAdam says in a Sky Sports update.

“Mohammed Kudus is one of those players.

“We know there is interest from Tottenham Hotspur. We know that they are looking to try and add players out wide. They want a versatile forward threat which Mohammed Kudus would be, someone who can play in multiple positions across the frontline.”

Chelsea and Newcastle United monitoring Kudus sitaution

In 80 appearances as a West Ham player, Kudus has featured most frequently on the right-wing. The same position Mbeumo occupies down the road at Brentford.

Yet, while he lacks Mbeumo’s sub-zero finishing, one attribute Kudus does have over the Man United-bound forward is an ability to excel on the left, through the middle, as a number nine or even in a deeper, midfield role.

“We know [Tottenham] also liked Bryan Mbeumo but he has made his feelings quite clear,” McAdam explains. “We also know [Crystal Palace ace] Ebereche Eze is a player of interest for Tottenham Hotspur and Thomas Frank.”

McAdam adds that Chelsea are still in the race for Mohammed Kudus despite agreeing deals for Brighton ace Joao Pedro and Borussia Dortmund wideman Jamie Gittens.

Newcastle is another potential destination. The Magpies also missed out on Bryan Mbeumo, though it is believed that there are other names higher up on Eddie Howe’s wishlist than West Ham’s enigmatic number 14.

“We know that Chelsea are at the table,” the report concludes. “Despite signing Jamie Gittens, they are looking potentially at Mohammed Kudus as well.

Mohammed Kudus’ West Ham United departure appears to be heating up with bitter Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur slamming their foot onto the accelerator.

Now, while many West Ham supporters are clearly not happy about the prospect of such a gifted footballer leaving for those hated neighbours up in the North, this is not really a club with many options available to them right now.

As a spokesman for the West Ham United board explains, the chance to bring in a fee of around £60 million may be one they cannot afford to turn down.

“Sadly, £55 – £60 million offers are hard to get,” Hammers News have been informed. “We are searching everywhere to try and get other offers.”

Clearly, Mohammed Kudus joining Tottenham and becoming the first player to swap the Hammers for Spurs since Scott Parker 14 years prior is a scenario the London Stadium outfit would rather avoid.

Yet, with those financial pressures preventing a Graham Potter, Kyle Macaulay-led rebuild from even getting out of the starting gates, Kudus has the makings of a sacrificial lamb offered up in an attempt to appease the PSR gods.

Ally McCoist, the Rangers and Scotland icon, sums the situation up pretty well.

Ally McCoist urges Tottenham to snap up West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus

The chance to land Kudus for much less than his release clause – West Ham initially wanted £85 million from rival Premier League clubs – is a ‘no-brainer’ from a Spurs perspective, McCoist says

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.In an ideal world, he would not be leaving the London Stadium at all. Let alone for a club David Sullivan has not done business with for almost a decade-and-a-half.

But that is the nature of the beast in these Profit and Sustainability-driven times. Sacrifices have to be made in the pursuit of progress. And if West Ham are to make progress in pursuit of their leading summer targets, Kudus following in Scott Parker’s footsteps is a scenario they may have no real option of preventing right now.

“[Signing Kudus] is a no-brainer for Tottenham,” McCoist argues. “I think he’s a terrific player, I really do. I like him a lot, Kudus.

“West Ham would not want to see the back of him, that’s for sure.”

Spurs in pole position after Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho snub

From a more positive perspective, it’s not as if the £38 million signing from Ajax performed anywhere near the peak of his powers last term. The drop-off from his debut season in England compared to 2024/25 was pretty substantial.

From 14 goals and nine assists to five and four.

As former Upton Park boss Alan Pardew put it, Mohammed Kudus can be ‘unplayable’ on his day. The problem is, under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, those days became fewer and further between. A £60 million windfall would allow West Ham to bring in a new centre-forward, a couple of dynamic midfielders, or a more reliable goalkeeper.

Perhaps, if Macaulay displays the same instincts he showed at Brighton, Kudus’ sale could free up funds for a handful of new arrivals.

Chelsea offered Jadon Sancho in exchange for Kudus earlier in the summer, while Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle have all been linked.

However, it has since emerged that Kudus is open to joining Tottenham in a move that would scrub away any remaining goodwill held towards him by the Hammers faithful.

West Ham have made a brutal admission amid growing unrest over the potential sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur.

Given there is little love lost between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur, it is understandable fans may not be happy at the prospect of business between the bitter rivals.

Let alone a deal which would see one of the Hammers’ best players, Mohammed Kudus, join Tottenham in a cut-price deal.

Spurs were linked with West Ham’s Kudus all the way back in April but appeared to have moved on to Eberechi Eze, Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo.

None of those deals have progressed for Tottenham, though, resulting in Daniel Levy reigniting interest in signing Kudus – on the instruction of new boss Thomas Frank.

West Ham make brutal admission about Kudus to Spurs

The very idea of selling Kudus to their fierce London foes has Hammers fans livid and voicing their outrage at the club’s owners.

Resentment towards the owners has bubbled to the surface again of late with West Ham insisting there is no money for signings until players are sold.

Kudus is West Ham’s most valuable asset outside of Jarrod Bowen, who is simply not for sale after Spurs were also linked with a move for the Hammers captain.

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Many Hammers fans feel David Sullivan simply ‘would not dare’ sell Kudus to Tottenham.

Especially as most believe last season was simply a blip for the Ghanaian after his stunning debut campaign.

West Ham fans were lured to the London Stadium reluctantly on the promise of the move ensuring they would be able to go to the next level and compete with the top clubs in the transfer market.

The reality is that two years on from selling their best player and captain Declan Rice to London rivals Arsenal, the Irons could be forced to end a 14-year unofficial transfer embargo with Tottenham by selling Kudus to them.

With anger building among supporters and Tottenham fans already goading their West Ham counterparts, Hammers News discussed the situation with the club’s top brass.

West Ham have accepted that Kudus’ difficult second season means they are unlikely to get close to the £85m release clause in the player’s contract.

West Ham owners admit they may be forced to sell to Spurs

Worse still West Ham have made a brutal admission as fans vent their fury over the prospect of selling Kudus to Spurs.

When Hammers News asked the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners whether the club would seriously consider selling to Tottenham given the strength of feeling among fans.

The Hammers board has admitted they may have little choice.

“Sadly £55m/£60m offers are hard to get,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News on the possibility of selling to Tottenham.

“We are searching everywhere to try and get other offers.”

Not all West Ham fans are overly fussed if Kudus leaves for Spurs, with many questioning his attitude last season.

West Ham fans vent fury over prospect of selling Kudus to Spurs

But it says a lot about the quality of player Tottenham could be getting that a large number of Hammers supporters are making it clear selling to Spurs will be the final straw for them when it comes to the owners.

One West Ham fan said Sullivan and co have ‘lost their minds’ if they sell Kudus to rivals Tottenham.

Another Hammers fan agreed, responding: “One huge mistake.”

Angry supporter Glenn said the owners are running West Ham ‘like a Division One club’ and urged his fellow fans to sign a petition calling for the board to sell up and leave.

West Ham fan Alex pondered: “How low have we stooped to genuinely entertain a bid from Spurs just to get our window started.”

Prominent Hammers fan account on X, West Ham Rambles, likened the situation to a prank on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

“Now sell Kudus to Spurs for a knock-down price,” Rambles said alongside a picture of the comedy duo.

Hammer Time Dave Edwards asked his fellow supporters whether they would rather sell Kudus to Spurs for £70m or take £10m less to sell to another Premier League club – with over 55 per cent voting the latter.

West Ham Views has urged Sullivan to redeem himself by stringing Tottenham along over Kudus before pulling the plug on any deal – like Levy did to the Hammers over Emmanuel Adebayor back in 2015.

“Sullivan has the ability to do the pettiest thing ever,” he said.

“Get one over on Levy finally and tell Kudus to stay.

“Levy done it with Adebayor. It won’t happen but it would be funny.”

‘I’d rather keep Kudus than sell to Tottenham’

West Ham fan Scottie G said Kudus hasn’t cared about the club all season.

He said: “Let’s face it. Kudus hasn’t given a care for 12 months. The fact he wants to leave speaks volumes. The fact he’s willing to go Spurs tells you what he thinks of us. Ta da.”

The account COYIrons predicts Tottenham will embarrass West Ham.

“Kudus will rip it up in a Spurs shirt and we will be left looking like mugs for selling to them for £60m,” they said.

A fellow Hammers fan BC Richfield agreed, calling West Ham’s board a ‘joke’ if they sell to their rivals.

“We’re a joke if we deal with Spurs. We’re a joke anyway under this gutless leadership. We were just lucky to get Moyes when we did who massively overachieved. Losing love for this club more every year but selling Kudus, on the cheap too – which it will be – is a new recent low.”

A number of West Ham fans said they would rather keep Kudus and not make any signings than sell to Tottenham.

Others feel Tottenham should be forced to pay the full release clause or forget it.

“Unless it is the release clause I’d rather keep him,” one fan added.

There may be some good news for Hammers fans emerging from the Kudus camp, though.

West Ham ace Mohammed Kudus has reacted to fresh reports linking him with a move to bitter rivals Spurs, just hours after a major new Chelsea claim emerged.

The Hammers have left themselves in a terrible position financially, meaning they are now banking on selling Mohammed Kudus to raise transfer cash for Graham Potter.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, traditionally West Ham’s two biggest rivals besides Millwall, have both been heavily linked with moves for Kudus.

There is no love lost between the Hammers and Tottenham. It is no coincidence the two clubs have not done any business together for 14 years.

Kudus triangle emerges between West Ham, Spurs and Chelsea

The last players to move between the two clubs were David Bentley, on loan from Spurs to the Hammers, and Scott Parker – both way back in 2011.

A number of incidents since – including a fallout between former firm friends Spurs chief Daniel Levy and Hammers vice-chair Karren Brady – have ensured relations are frosty from the pitch to the stands and the boardroom.

But West Ham’s board confirmed they would sell Kudus to Spurs if Levy paid the £65m asking price in a Hammers News exclusive earlier this month.

That angered many Hammers supporters, who do not want to see their club selling to their fierce rivals.

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While every player has his price at most clubs, that viewpoint is understandable.

After all West Ham fans were lured to the London Stadium on the promise it would enable them to compete with the top clubs in the transfer market.

Yet Hammers fans have already had to suffer the ignominy of selling Declan Rice to Arsenal and being goaded about it ever since.

Now they face the prospect of losing another top player to an even bigger rival in Spurs.

Kudus reacts to new Spurs move link after major Chelsea claim

West Ham were said to be keen to offload Kudus elsewhere as Chelsea mulled over a move following initial talks at the start of June.

They say desperate times call for desperate measures, though.

And with Potter in need of transfer funds, West Ham fans are faced with the prospect of having to accept selling to Tottenham if they want to bring players in.

Now Kudus has reacted to a new Spurs move link after a major Chelsea claim as West Ham are told to expect a bid.

It seems West Ham’s ideal scenario of a transfer battle for Kudus might be about to play out.

But the last thing fans want is to see him join Spurs and rediscover the form everyone knows he is capable of.

But how does the player feel?

Hammers News reported last week that Kudus has taken matters into his own hands to get out of West Ham, by changing agents as he looks for a move.

A top Chelsea insider claimed Enzo Maresca is now turning to signing Kudus from West Ham after sealing deals for Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

But just hours later, Telegraph journalist Matt Law claims Tottenham are now readying a bid for Kudus, who has been identified as a primary target by new boss Thomas Frank.

Law claims sources have told him Spurs, who are believed to be optimistic they can clinch a deal for well below his £85 million release clause, believe Kudus is now the most likely signing to bolster the attacking options of new head coach Frank.

‘Kudus open to Spurs move’ as West Ham told to expect bid

That’s after optimistic plans to try and sign one of Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo or Eberechi Eze hit the buffers.

Fabrizio Romano has also claimed a Tottenham bid to West Ham for Kudus is imminent.

And both Law and Romano have revealed Kudus’ thoughts on joining Spurs.

West Ham fans won’t like his outlook one little bit.

Because they both state that ‘Kudus is open to joining Tottenham’ – a claim that will go down like a lead balloon in east London.

Ironically Kudus was banned for five games last season when he had complete head loss in a 4-1 defeat at Tottenham, leaving three Spurs players laid out on the pitch.

The Ghanaian scored West Ham’s goal in that October game and was not then eligible to play again until December.

West Ham’s owners have made a jaw-dropping admission about a Tottenham Hotspur deal when questioned about talks with Aston Villa over a transfer.

The stunning revelation comes amid speculation a deal could be imminent in the next 48 hours.

Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, Tottenham have a distinct advantage over West Ham and Aston Villa in this summer’s transfer window.

That is money the Hammers and Aston Villa could sorely use right now.

Many of the claret and blue army at both clubs are growing increasingly restless at the lack of transfer activity so far.

The first month of an extended summer window has not been utilised by West Ham or Aston Villa.

West Ham admit Aston Villa enquiry ahead of unofficial deadline

West Ham’s board has been pleading PSR poverty, claiming huge £100m plus losses are on the horizon in their next accounts in December.

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Meanwhile Aston Villa, who missed out on a second consecutive season of Champions League football, are even worse off.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained recently that Villa are the team most at risk of breaching PSR.

Maguire revealed that when Villa qualified for the Champions League, they spent £91 on wages for every £100 they made in revenue.

As a result, it has been widely claimed Unai Emery needs to offload a player to raise around £30-40m – by Monday.

Because 30th of June is the year end for the 2024/25 accounts, where clubs need to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Daniel Levy had warned Tottenham fans ‘we can’t spend what we don’t have’ before his club qualified for the Champions League.

While West Ham have been insisting they have no wiggle room for transfers due to PSR, they are not in danger of any imminent PSR breach.

Whereas Aston Villa reportedly are.

Graham Potter is relying on a number of sales to raise funds for signings.

West Ham plan to offload the likes of Mohammed Kudus, whom Spurs are said to be interested in.

The Hammers would prefer not to sell to Tottenham given there is no love lost between the rivals, who have maintained an unofficial transfer embargo with one another for 14 years and counting.

Whether the Irons get desperate and are forced to sell Kudus to Spurs remains to be seen.

West Ham owners make stunning Spurs deal claim after Villa talks

But West Ham will be looking to replace the Ghanaian, who will definitely be sold this summer.

That, according to recent reports, has led them to the Midlands where West Ham have made enquiries about Villa star Jacob Ramsey.

The Guardian doubled down on claims West Ham want Ramsey to replace Kudus.

The report also stated the Hammers have been plotting to leave it as late as possible in June to make their Ramsey bid in the hope of driving down the price with Villa having to raise funds by Monday evening.

Aston Villa reporter Tom Collomosse was the first to report West Ham’s interest in Ramsey.

In a new article yesterday, he claimed Ramsey is a player Villa are willing to sell to West Ham before Monday’s deadline as transfer director Monchi is faced with balancing the books.

The report also confirmed the Hammers have enquired about Ramsey ahead of Monday.

But he also mentioned potential interest from Tottenham.

Collomosse reports that Villa’s asking price of around £40m is deemed relatively steep by the Hammers and Spurs.

Now West Ham’s owners have made a stunning Spurs deal claim after talks with Aston Villa.

Hammers News put the reports about a potentially imminent move for Ramsey to the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners.

The Hammers board were asked whether there was any truth in the claim the club is eyeing Ramsey with Villa potentially having to sell a player by Monday.

Hammers board think Ramsey is joining Tottenham instead

The response was very revealing.

And it is more bad news for West Ham fans – but major shot in the arm for Spurs.

West Ham’s owners did not deny interest, suggesting they have enquired about signing Ramsey.

But they won’t be – because the Hammers believe he is joining rivals Spurs instead.

“I think the player (Ramsey) is going to Spurs,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News.

It marks yet another bitter blow for West Ham, landed by one of their fiercest rivals no less.

And the news will not go down well with Hammers fans.

Although a Sky Sports reporter stated live on TV overnight that a source at Villa has told him PSR isn’t a problem for the club come Monday. So it remains to be seen whether Villa do offload Ramsey.

There is not long to wait to find out the reality of the situation.

The jury is also out on whether Spurs signing Ramsey would end their interest in West Ham’s Kudus.

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.

Saints announce Hammers and Spurs target is now a free agent

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.

West Ham United’s despised Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur hit the jackpot when they brought Micky van de Ven to North London during the summer of 2023.

Elite left-footed central defenders certainly don’t grow on trees, after all.

And when you add Van de Ven’s extreme speed, his superb defensive instincts and his brilliant ball-playing to those southpaw tendencies, Tottenham managed to snap up one of the most unique, high-potential centre-halves on the planet to the tune of just £34 million.

West Ham United, in contrast, find themselves stuck with a Nayef Aguerd-shaped problem.

To think, Aguerd joined the Hammers for just £4 million less than Tottenham paid to bring in Van de Ven from Wolfsburg. It almost goes without saying that the former has not come close to equalling the success of the latter in English football.

After Real Sociedad decided against signing Aguerd permanently following an injury-hit loan spell in La Liga, the Morocco international is desperate to force his way out of the London Stadium. Preferably, before pre-season begins.

But, once Aguerd’s eventual departure frees up some much-needed transfer funds and allows Graham Potter to start rebuilding his roster, could West Ham find their own answer to the aforementioned Micky van de Ven?

With Turkish publication Fotomac reporting that the £25 million-rated Jayden Oosterwolde is still on West Ham’s radar, the similarities between the Feyenoord speedster and Tottenham’s Europa League final hero have not gone unnoticed.

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West Ham United target Jayden Oosterwolde likened to Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven

The first thing fans tend to notice about Jayden Oosterwolde is that the Fenerbahce ace is a footballer with pace bordering on the ridiculous.

While Van de Ven has been clocked as the quickest player to grace the Premier League since records began, Breaking the Lines describe Oosterwolde as a ‘multifaceted threat in defence’ due to his combination of ‘electric speed’ and the fearsome physicality provided by his towering 6ft 4in frame.

He broke through as a rampaging left-back in the Eredivisie with FC Twente. Oosterwolde has also been utilised as a centre-half, where his formidable recovery pace and his ‘very good duel-winning capabilities’ come to the fore.

“He is an effective, powerful ball-carrier who strides forward with conviction and speed,” Breaking the Lines add of a versatile, uber-athletic footballer, the kind of which West Ham’s backline is badly lacking.

“He’s a good dribbler with quick feet for someone this tall.”

Daniel Peperkamp, co-host of the Voetbal Primeur podcast, also credits one Jose Mourinho with helping a 24-year-old Oosterwolde force his way onto the radars of West Ham, Newcastle and Napoli while over in Turkey.

“He has really developed a lot under Mourinho. A warrior. Big, fast, powerful,” Peperkamp says. “A Micky van de Ven type [of defender].”

Emerson Palmieri could join Lazio while Roma target Nayef Aguerd

As with Quilindschy Hartman – the former West Ham target is joining Burnley in a £10 million deal from Feyenoord – concerns will arise over Oosterwolde’s injury record.

The Zwolle-born former Parma ace missed most of last season with a cruciate ligament rupture. If reports are true and Fenerbahce value him at £25 million, West Ham would be risking a sizeable chunk of their summer budget on a footballer who hasn’t played a single league match since October 2024.

While Aguerd is still expected to leave this summer – Roma are reportedly outbidding Italian rivals Juventus as they look to secure an agreement in the region of £15 million – Emerson Palmieri could also be on his way to Serie A.

West Ham’s only other senior left-back apart from teenager Ollie Scarles is reportedly in line for a reunion with his former Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri at Lazio.

West Ham United have not merely entered the race for one of the most sought-after talents in Serie A – alongside Premier League rivals Crystal Palace – Graham Potter’s side have ‘explicitly shown their interest’.

At least, that is how the Italian media describe West Ham United’s ongoing pursuit of a central defender with more options on his table than Pedro Pascal’s overworked agent.

Despite the fact West Ham signed Jean-Clair Todibo permanently from Nice at the end of the Premier League campaign, and despite the fact there are no offers yet for the error-strewn Konstantinos Mavropanos, Koni de Winter is a name which just will not go away.

Genoa ace De Winter was linked at the start of February. A few weeks later, reporter Gianluca Longari claimed that West Ham had contacted the Serie A outfit about a potential deal for their former Juventus starlet.

Bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur have allegedly put forward a £20 million proposal in the meantime but, according to the latest update provided by Tuttomercatoweb on Thursday morning, West Ham United remain very much a key part of the picture.

Interestingly, there was no mention whatsoever of Tottenham in TMW’s latest report.

How much can be read into their omission is up for debate. Though one suspects that, if Spurs had indeed submitted an offer, they would have been front and centre of Tuttomercatoweb’s piece.

Instead, it is West Ham who get a big mention, next to Crystal Palace.

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Graham Potter’s side, alongside Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup winners, are allegedly the only two clubs in England to have ‘explicitly shown their interest’ in a player also on the radars of Portuguese powerhouses Portugal and Benfica, not to mention Inter Milan.

The total absence of Tottenham certainly casts doubt on claims that a £20 million bid has arrived on Genoa’s table from the white corner of North London.

Genoa director Marco Ottolini speaks out as West Ham eye former Juventus man

A graduate of the Juventus academy, De Winter joined Genoa initially on loan back in 2023. The Antwerp-born Belgium international has blossomed into one of the finest young defenders in European football with the Grifone.

“Koni is another player who has grown a lot,” Genoa’s sporting director Marco Ottolini tells TMW of his 6ft 3in prized asset. “He is becoming more and more aware. He has an international-level profile for physical, technical and mental qualities.

“Some requests for information are arriving [from interested parties]. They have already arrived. At the moment, there is nothing written, concrete or finalised. [But] he is a player who has many requests.”

Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci – 50 per cent of that 2021 European Championship-winning Azzurri defence alongside Giorgio Chiellini – feels it is De Winter’s fierce mentality which marks him out as a potential superstar centre-back.

“He has no fear and this will be an advantage for his career,” Bonucci said. “He has enormous room for improvement. He has a whole career ahead of him.”

West Ham United have broken their silence on claims that rivals Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a bid for Mohammed Kudus.

The board have made their stance abundantly clear on the situation, responding firmly to claims of an imminent offer from Tottenham chief Daniel Levy.

West Ham and Spurs have not done business together for 14 years.

The last players to move between the two clubs were David Bentley, on loan from Spurs to the Hammers, and Scott Parker – both back in 2011.

A very public row erupted between the two clubs when Levy pulled the plug on a West Ham deal for Emmanuel Adebayor in 2015.

West Ham co-owner at the time, David Gold – who sadly passed away in 2023 – delivered an icy blast at Levy after the Spurs chairman reneged on the deal on deadline day.

Why Spurs and West Ham have not done business for 14 years

“No matter how hard you try there are people out there that you just can’t do business with,” Gold said of Levy.

A bitter fallout has taken place between Hammers vice-chair Karren Brady and Levy under the current ownership too.

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That’s after a spying scandal played out in the courts during the battle for the London Stadium.

Fast forward 10 years since an unofficial transfer embargo was put in place following the collapse of that Adebayor deal and the prospect of a West Ham doing business with their fierce rivals Tottenham has reared its ugly head once more.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for Mohammed Kudus this summer.

The Ghanaian is for sale this summer as West Ham desperately seek to raise funds so Graham Potter can make his own signings.

As things stand, West Ham’s owners are insisting there is no money to spend until sales are made due to PSR.

As reported by Hammers News, Spurs ‘like’ Kudus and are intending to make a bid to West Ham, which has the support of new manager Thomas Frank.

It will present a major dilemma for West Ham chief David Sullivan and the board.

Firstly, whether to sell to end the unofficial transfer embargo and sell to their fierce rivals for the first time in 14 years.

Secondly, whether to accept what the lowball offer Levy is reportedly planning as desperation ramps up to bring in cash to fund Potter’s rebuild.

West Ham board respond to ‘imminent’ Spurs bid for Kudus

Now the West Ham board has responded to claims of an ‘imminent’ Spurs bid for Kudus and made their stance perfectly clear.

A top transfer insider told Hammers News this week that ‘Levy wants to try and get Kudus for as little as £50m’.

That’s £35m less than the release clause in Kudus’ West Ham contract.

Although that clause is something of a red herring because the Hammers can sell him for whatever fee they want below that.

And the club knows nobody will be paying the clause amount after Kudus’ underwhelming second season, which saw him banned for five games after he left three Tottenham players on the deck during West Ham’s 4-1 defeat at their rivals.

Hammers make stance clear on Spurs interest

If Sullivan agreed to that figure, it would represent a meagre £11.5m profit for West Ham.

Although finances are dictating Kudus is sold, selling to Tottenham would not go down well with fans.

It could be seen as waving the white flag that Spurs are the bigger club and can sign key Hammers players when they really want to.

When it was reported Arsenal were interested at around £50m earlier this month, the Hammers said such an offer for Kudus would be ‘laughed out of the room’.

Now responding to claims of an imminent lowball Tottenham bid for Kudus, West Ham’s owners have made three major admissions.

Firstly that they would sell to Spurs after refusing to take the opportunity to rule it out.

Secondly, they have set the minimum fee they want for Kudus from Tottenham or any other suitors.

And thirdly the club have confirmed Tottenham are far from alone in wanting the former Ajax star.

West Ham owners would sell to Spurs but only at right price

Hammers News asked the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners whether they would they sell to Tottenham as rivals and for as low as £50m.

“We would not sell him for under £65m,” the senior spokesman for the West Ham board exclusively told Hammers News.

“There is lots of interest.”

Kudus scored five goals and laid on four assists in all competitions for West Ham last season.

That was well down on the 20 goal contributions he provided during his scintillating debut season, when many of his strikes were goal of the season contenders.

There is no doubting Kudus’ talent and potential to be one of the best attackers in Europe.

So West Ham are right to want at least £65m.

Chelsea are said to be still mulling a bid while Newcastle, Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked.

West Ham will hope some kind of bidding war breaks out which will help them get to that magic £65m mark.

And sooner rather than later given the desperate need to start making signings of their own.