West Ham face three big issues in their pursuit of Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey and one of them is their former manager David Moyes registering Everton’s interest.
Jacob Ramsey has emerged as West Ham’s new prime target for their midfield rebuild.
But Everton want Ramsey too, Hammers News can reveal.
The Hammers and the Toffees are already battling it out behind-the-scenes over Man City outcast Jack Grealish.
It is claimed that West Ham and Everton are the two clubs in pole position to sign Grealish on loan if he stays in the Premier League.
David Moyes is still well loved back in east London but the Scot may give his old club a problem.
West Ham have three big issues in talks for Villa star Ramsey
Because Moyes has hit out publicly at Everton’s owners over transfers in a bid to see some signings delivered.
With Graham Potter appearing – on the surface at least – to be more subservient to West Ham’s owners, it could give Everton an edge.
And not just for Grealish.
Both Potter and Moyes want to overhaul their midfields and that has put them on a collision course for Ramsey too.
West Ham want Aston Villa ace Ramsey after being linked with the 24-year-old at the end of June.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
West Ham were coy when asked about a move for Villa’s Ramsey this week.
The guarded response suggested there may be progress on a deal after talks were reportedly held with Aston Villa for Potter’s target to replace Mohammed Kudus.
Ramsey was reportedly a player Villa were willing to sell to West Ham when it looked like Unai Emery would have to sell a key star by the end of June to raise £40m in order to comply with PSR.
In the end Villa sold their women’s team to raise those funds instead and talk of Ramsey’s future went quiet.
Speculation has reignited this week, though, with the fact Ramsey is a Will Salthouse client not going unnoticed.
Moyes orders Everton move for Hammers target Ramsey
Salthouse, co-founder of Unique Sports Group, is close to West Ham chief David Sullivan and his sons and has had a big influence over the club’s dealings in recent years.
Aston Villa appeared to drop a huge hint Ramsey could be West Ham-bound when he was an unused sub in their pre-season friendly with St Louis.
Hammers insider ExWHUemployee has since reiterated West Ham are pushing to try and sign Ramsey.
But West Ham have three big issues in talks with Villa star Ramsey and ex boss Moyes is one of them as he orders an Everton move.
Hammers News has spoken to a trusted source close to the player’s camp about the situation.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesRamsey’s stance and Villa’s valuation are problems for West Ham
The first problem West Ham have is the player’s stance.
When interest was first mooted, West Ham were reportedly told there was “no chance” of a deal with Villa or the player wanting the move.
But West Ham do believe Ramsey’s stance could change, the source has told Hammers News.
The second major issue West Ham face is Aston Villa.
Hammers News has been told the Midlands side are looking for between £50-60m for Ramsey.
“They think he is one of the best young midfielders in Europe,” the source told Hammers News about Villa’s stance on Ramsey.
The third problem is Everton.
Because the source has revealed that Toffees boss Moyes is interested in signing Ramsey and making him a fundamental player.
While Everton have struggled to get deals done they have pledged they have money to back Moyes this summer.
The Scot wants around nine signings and Ramsey is one of his targets.
West Ham by contrast simply could not afford to get close to Villa’s asking price or be in a bidding war with Everton.
Brentford are also said to have made an enquiry and have plenty of money to spend. But breaking the bank to the tune of £50-60m would go against Brentford’s transfer philosophy and principles.