Conference League champions West Ham United are reportedly hoping to agree reduced fees for Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes and Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez with the in-demand duo valued at a combined £85 million.
Although Declan Rice’s departure now feels like a case of when rather than if – owner David Sullivan confirming to talkSPORT that the talismanic skipper is more-than likely to say his goodbyes this summer – the good news is that David Moyes should soon have an almighty wad of cash burning a hole in his back pocket.
Finding a replacement for West Ham United’s first European Cup-winning skipper since the legendary Bobby Moore will be easier said than done.
Edson Alvarez, however, would at least provide similar poise, power and presence.
Declan Rice out, Edson Alvarez in at West Ham?
The 6ft 4ins Mexican international made his name as a centre-half back home in Central America but has blossomed in a deep-lying midfield role at Ajax.
The Guardian back up claims from BILD, suggesting that West Ham will do battle with a Borussia Dortmund side set to lose an England international of their own; Jude Bellingham on his way to Real Madrid.
Ajax want £45 million.
West Ham will look to secure Alvarez’s services for a lower sum, however. Their hopes could be boosted as the wantaway enforcer goes public in an attempt to force his way out of the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Alvarez went on strike in an attempt to force a move to Chelsea last summer. Speaking to Voetbal International, the one-time Celtic target again is making no secret of his desire to move on.
“My mission here is almost complete,” Alvarez explains. “I’ve had a great time here in the past four years, and the club still feels like home. But everyone will also understand that I have achieved a lot here. I have won many prizes with Ajax.
“As a top athlete, it feels good to go for a new challenge at some point, in a different environment. A different competition.”
Leicester’s Harvey Barnes has not been quite so vocal.
He too is likely to be eyeing a move after the Foxes suffered relegation despite beating Moyes’ side on the final day last month. The Guardian say that Leicester hope to bring in £40 million.
£10 million more than West Ham seem willing to pay as things stand.
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