West Ham United are now reportedly closing in on another summer signing after reaching a three-year agreement to welcome an experienced defender.
Latest on West Ham incomings
After losing Mohammed Kudus, West Ham instantly reacted by signing El Hadji Malick Diouf. The former Slavia Prague winger arrives with big shoes to fill and for around £19m, but is well aware of how he could slot straight into Graham Potter’s plans.
The versatile 20-year-old told West Ham’s official website: “I’m really happy to be here and to make a progression for my career. I’m looking forward to working hard and joining my new team-mates.
“There were a lot of teams [who wanted to sign me], but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach [Graham Potter] and it was a good plan for me.
“Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone. When they are here, they want to make everything good. I think they also have the personality to play here and if you are young, you want to continue your progression.
“If you are young, you have to keep your personality. It’s about the team. The most important thing is the team, not the player. I want to say to the West Ham supporters I’m very happy to be here with them. I think we’ll make a very good season this year.”
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Amid links to the likes of Jack Grealish and now one other player with plenty of Premier League experience, however, it’s clear that West Ham aren’t done there on the transfer front after Diouf, Daniel Cummings and Jean-Clair Todibo.
West Ham reach agreement with Walker-Peters
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have now reached a three-year agreement with Kyle Walker-Peters. The right-back became a free agent when he left Southampton at the end of last season and is now set to join up with Potter at the London Stadium in a bargain deal.
In a quickfire transfer, the Hammers look to be welcoming a replacement for Vladimir Coufal and impressive competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka down their right-hand side.
Even as his tenure ended in failure at Southampton, Russell Martin was often full of praise for Walker-Peters – highlighting his quality for all to see. The former Saints boss told reporters last season as transfer rumours commenced: “He’s still here. So, I hope he’ll still be here in a few weeks’ time.
“But whilst he is here, we had the chat and we need him to help us because he’s a really top player. He was great and he’s a fit, fit boy. He’s trained so well.”