West Ham United are eyeing a move for Aston Villa forward Jacob Ramsey, The Athletic reports.
Ramsey’s future at Villa is up in the air. He has just under two years left on his current deal, but he’s no closer to a contract extension and not for lack of trying from both sides.
Villa have been looking to tie him to a new contract. But with both parties at a standoff, the possibility of parting ways this summer seems increasingly likely.
West Ham are aware of Ramsey’s situation at Villa and are looking to take advantage. Manager Graham Potter is keen to rebuild the incredibly redundant squad he inherited from his predecessor.
So far, the Hammers have brought in three fresh recruits. Aside from making Jean-Clair Todibo’s initial loan move permanent, West Ham have signed El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Callum Wilson.
Diouf set West Ham back £19 million after coming from Slavia Prague, while the latter duo joined on free transfers from Southampton and Newcastle United, respectively.
We’re just days away from the start of the new season, but West Ham are expected to remain active in the transfer market.
Potter wants to bolster his attacking options even further, especially after losing Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur, and Ramsey is becoming a top target.
West Ham face Newcastle competition for Ramsey
Potter is reportedly a huge fan of Ramsey, and the feeling is reportedly mutual. However, the 24-year-old left-sided forward wouldn’t come cheap.
The Villans are believed to value Ramsey at around £40m, but that’s not the biggest obstacle for West Ham. The Athletic reports that Newcastle United are also in the mix.
Like Potter, Eddie Howe is also a big fan. The Magpies approached Villa for Ramsey back in January, but they weren’t interested in striking a deal.
Now that they’ve softened their stance, Newcastle are back on his trail.
While Ramsey wouldn’t mind joining West Ham, the chance to work under Howe and play in the Champions League gives Newcastle the edge.