Double deal on as pair make transfer to West Ham their No 1 priorities
West Ham have been given strong hope that an exciting double deal is to be given the go ahead in January – with Manchester City defender Nathan Ake first through the door.
The Hammers have made a solid start to the Premier League season and currently lie fourth. Indeed, wily boss David Moyes will be a strong candidate for manager of the year should they beat the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal to a Champions League spot.
And the next phase of his plans to strengthen West Ham appear to be gathering momentum.
Despite the feel-good factor at the London Stadium though, the Hammers do have issues to solve in defence.
Indeed, with Kurt Zouma succumbing to a hamstring tear, the Frenchman looks likely to be sidelined until March.
As such, Moyes has made the signing of a new centre-half his most urgent priority in January.
West Ham on Nathan Ake trail
The Hammers boss was in the market for a new defender anyway with Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna both in the veteran status.
But the injury to Zouma has intensified his search – with reports claiming the Hammers are looking at Nat Phillips.
However, an outstanding outing against AC Milan in midweek means Jurgen Klopp will not sanction his sale.
Instead, West Ham will have more joy with Ake, who has been a bit-part player since a £40m switch to the Etihad.
And according to Eurosport, the Dutchman is keen to make the move should City allow him to depart.
Newcastle are also understood to be in the hunt for Ake amid talk of a reunion with old boss Eddie Howe.
But the outlet claims a move to east London appears his preferred destination.
That would come as a serious blow for Newcastle in their bid to pull clear of relegation.
Jesse Lingard also favours West Ham
It seems the bad news will not stop there for Newcastle either.
As per Eurosport, another Newcastle target Jesse Lingard is also in favour of a move to West Ham.
With his contract expiring in just over six months, Lingard is likely to leave Manchester United in January.
Indeed, a report last week claimed Lingard is intent on severing ties at Old Trafford – despite Ralf Rangnick’s arrival.
As a result, The Times recently claimed Lingard has received a contract offer to 2026 worth £100,000 a week.
That works out at a staggering £23,400,000 to the player over the duration of the deal.
Furthermore, they are expected to pay United a fee in the region of £10m – £12m in January to bring him to St James’.
The Red Devils are understood to be warming to the idea of selling him to Newcastle too.
Faced with the prospect of losing him for nothing, they would rather sell him to Newcastle than a top-four competitor.
However, Eurosport claims Lingard will drag his feet over that prospective move to see if West Ham might renew their interest.
Having played on loan there last season, they remain his preferred destination if a deal can be agreed.
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