Man Utd sent firm message over Prem star seen as dream Fernandes partner

West Ham assistant manager Stuart Pearce insists the Hammers have no desire to sell Tomas Soucek this summer amid claims he’s being targeted by Manchester United.

Soucek joined the Hammers in an initial loan move in January 2020. That became a permanent £19m deal in the summer, with the fee paid to Slavia Prague looking outstanding business. Soucek’s form alongside Declan Rice in the heart of the midfield has been key to the Hammers’ push for European football.

Soucek has nine goals to his name from 29 appearances this term. And he further enhanced his repuation when he netted a hat-trick on Wednesday in the Czech Republic’s 6-2 win against Estonia.

That has predicatably led to speculation that he is being targeted in a big-money summer move to Old Trafford. It’s claimed they see the giant Czech as a perfect addition to their midfield and key to getting the very best from Bruno Fernandes.

We also exclusively revealed in December that Bayern Munich are also considering an approach for the 6ft 4in star.

Pearce, however, is adamant that Soucek is happy at the London Stadium and the Hammers won’t be entertaining any bids.

“No, he’s happy here and he’s not going anywhere, that’s for sure,” Pearce told talkSPORT.

“He’s been brilliant here, I’ve got to say. Dave [Moyes] brought him into the club in January of last and since then he’s just been brilliant.

“He’s got a wonderful attitude to work, on his days off he comes in to work, he’s just really an absolute pleasure to work with.

David Moyes praises Tomas Soucek influence

West Ham boss David Moyes praised Tomas Soucek's influence as his two goals against Crystal Palace helped the club move into the top four of the Premier League.

“As a man he is top quality. He and Soufal, the two Czech boys, they’ve both been brilliant.

“And Tomas can be a handful, too. England will face Czech Republic in the [Euro 2020] group stages and his ability in both boxes if very, very good.”

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Pearce also has praise for Jesse Lingard

Pearce also feels Jesse Lingard’s recall to the England squad is well deserved and has praised the midfielder’s personality.

Lingard joined the Hammers on loan in January. He’s quickly rediscovered top form with five goals in seven appearances.

“I’m delighted Jesse is back in the England squad. When he first joined us at West Ham I asked him if he had aspirations for England, he said he did and he’s convinced me, his form has been brilliant.

“Jesse is really good, he’s been brilliant. He’s got a lovely, bubbly personality on the pitch, he’s full of energy.

“And more importantly it’s his game time, when he’s getting game time he’s a really good player.

“West Ham has been good for him and he’s been good for West Ham, it’s fair to say.”

READ MORE: Lingard reveals Southgate conversation that inspired West Ham switch