West Ham plot stunning hijack of Man Utd move for Champions League winner, as Ten Hag could miss out on perfect signing
Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka celebrate Bayern goal
West Ham are reportedly interested in a sensational move for a Bayern star, in a move which could see Manchester United lose out on an ideal capture.
West Ham are yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window. So far, most of their attention has been on captain Declan Rice, who had become a top target for Arsenal.
After having two bids rejected by West Ham, as well as fighting off Manchester City, Arsenal have signed Rice in a huge £105million deal.
While Rice’s exit is a huge blow for Irons boss David Moyes, it does give the manager plenty of money to spend in the transfer market.
West Ham have been linked with several midfielders as they look to replace their skipper, including Joao Palhinha, Edson Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips and James Ward-Prowse.
But according to the latest from Sky Germany, West Ham could instead complete a huge raid on Bayern for Leon Goretzka.
READ MORE: Huge West Ham bid fails amid staggering new price tag, as Man Utd, Fulham both reject offers
The Germany international has been tipped to join Man Utd in recent months. Indeed, he would be a fantastic signing for Erik ten Hag as Man Utd are aiming to bolster their midfield ranks and get rid of players such as Fred, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay.
However, the Red Devils may have to watch on as West Ham get to Goretzka first. The east London outfit have identified him as a potential marquee signing after finding out he might be eligible for transfer this summer.
Bayern set asking price for West Ham, Man Utd target
Goretzka, who has helped Bayern win a Champions League and five Bundesliga titles, is no longer a guaranteed starter under Thomas Tuchel. This is because the former Chelsea coach can also rely on Joshua Kimmich, Konrad Laimer, Ryan Gravenberch and Marcel Sabitzer in central midfield.
Bayern have resultantly told interested clubs they will consider offers worth between €40-50m (£34.4-43m) for the star.
One potential stumbling block for West Ham is that Goretzka does not actually want to leave the Allianz Arena. He is comfortable at Bayern and believes he can force his way back into the starting eleven. Moyes’ side would therefore have to put on a serious charm offensive to convince him to join.
Luckily for West Ham fans, their club does have an alternative in mind, just in case the ambitious move for Goretzka falls through.
The player in question is Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. When asked about him, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg said: “Talks are already well advanced with Gallagher. The fee would be between €25-35m (£21.5-30.1m).
West Ham would be pulling off a real transfer coup if they managed to snare someone of Goretzka’s calibre. He has won a host of major trophies and is comfortable playing in the biggest games.
But it looks like they might have to settle for Gallagher instead, as the Englishman is more eager to join them than Goretzka.