West Ham United could finally sign USA international Aaron Long on a free transfer during the January transfer window but, according to TEAMtalk, David Moyes’ side will face competition from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth.
Nearly three years ago, the Hammers saw a £4 million loan-to-buy bid for Long turned down by MLS outfit New York Red Bulls (Sky Sports).
Now, with the centre-back’s contract expiring following the final chime of Jools Holland’s piano, NYRB will be powerless to prevent Long from sealing a belated switch to the English capital following the Qatar World Cup.
Long, TEAMtalk point out, will be a free agent on January 1st. And, try as they might, his current employers seem unable to agree an extension.
West Ham United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest target Aaron Long
“Before I arrived here, both parties tried to find an agreement to extend his contract,” explains New York Red Bulls’ head of sport Jochen Schneider. “Which did not happen. That happens sometimes in the world of soccer. Parties do not come together.
“Since then, he and his agent are moving on to check options. Then, we’ll see after the World Cup.”
The long-serving Red Bulls skipper will be included in Greg Berhalter’s squad, with the USA taking on Iran, Wales and England in Qatar. A couple of impressive performances on the biggest stage would undoubtedly give his chances of a move to a major European league a timely shot in the arm, with Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth also expressing an interest in the 2018 MLS Defender of the Year.
Long was briefly a target for Liverpool back in January 2021 (AP). Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit side were casting their net far and wide in an attempt to add some much-needed cover to a beleaguered backline at the time, with Ozak Kabak and Ben Davies eventually arriving from Schalke and Preston North End respectively.
West Ham’s interest, meanwhile, may raise questions about the long-term future of fans’ favourite Craig Dawson.
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