West Ham United reportedly want to take the Manchester City stopper on loan prior to a permanent deal in 12 months.
According to a recent report from the Sun, West Ham United want to sign Joe Hart in a loan-to-buy deal, covering his wages next season but only paying a transfer fee for the England international this time next year.
At first glance it is a deal City may be reluctant to sanction, given Hart’s fall down the pecking order and the fact that he has already spent one year away from the Etihad Stadium in a temporary deal.
But with the Sun claiming West Ham simply cannot afford to pay City’s £18million asking price this summer, is it an indication of the Hammers’ transfer plans.
After all, there is money available at the London Stadium but West Ham must strengthen in key areas – namely up front and in the centre of midfield – and it could take a significant outlay if the Hammers ultimately bring in the likes of Kelechi Iheahancho and Michy Batshuayi.
West Ham know what Hart is capable of, so the fact that they are hoping to save some cash to potentially spend elsewhere could give an indication of manager Slaven Bilic’s priorities.
The Hammers need additional fire-power after falling short in that area last season, while it could be argued that they need a quality central midfielder to replace the faltering Mark Noble and another centre-back despite the January signing of Jose Fonte.
The fact that West Ham are seemingly prepared to pay City’s reduced asking price for Hart but only next summer is intriguing to say the least, and only time will tell if Bilic gets the deal he is seeking.
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