‘A long way off’ – Harvey Elliott to West Ham dealt blow with fresh names targeted
West Ham’s pursuit of Harvey Elliott has suffered a setback as the club eyes up other alternatives to bolster their midfield.
After being a part of Liverpool’s title-winning side, the 22-year-old enjoyed further success at the Under-21s European championships in Slovakia.
Elliott was integral to England’s Euro victory as he shone throughout the tournament, netting five times in six games.
Given greater purpose under Jurgen Klopp, the ex-Fulham man played less of a role under Arne Slot, featuring 28 times across all competitions, compared to the 53 games in the German’s final season in charge.
His lack of game time for a player so talented has linked the number 19 with a move away from Anfield this summer with West Ham amongst the names after him.
West Ham struggling to land a new midfielder
According to the Daily Mail (30 July), the east London side are keen to sign Elliott and his teammate Tyler Morton, but a club source told the paper: “We’d love them [Elliott and Morton], but sadly a long way off.”
The Reds want at least £40million for the 22-year-old whilst his Liverpool co-star is facing interest from Lyon.
The report also mentioned the Hammers are interested in Chelsea’ Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall amid his limited minutes in south London.
Moreover, the Irons are monitoring Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Romano Schmid as well as Southampton pair Shea Charles and Matheus Fernandes.
Back-up plan needed for Potter’s midfield hunt
Football Insider verdict
Given Liverpool’s unwillingness to budge from their price tag for Elliott, the Hammers need to consider other options to target to fortify the middle of the park.
Southampton’s Fernandes offers an exciting prospect, particularly after seamlessly adapting to the English top-division, featuring 36 times.
The 21-year-old scored twice in the league, picking up four assists in what was a woeful campaign for the Saints.
| Harvey Elliott | Mateus Fernandes | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Romano Schmid | |
| Appearances | 28 | 44 | 31 | 35 |
| Minutes played | 867 | 3406 | 1701 | 3109 |
| Goals | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Assists | 3 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
Dewsbury-Hall struggled to force his way into Enzo Maresca’s Premier League squad, with the Englishman predominantly playing in the Conference League, scoring four goals in 15 appearances.
The 26-year-old demonstrated his attacking ability in Leicester’s promotion to the top-flight in 2023-24 where he was involved in 26 goals in the Championship.
A move to east London could revive his career and he could be thrive under Potter’s guidance.
Bremen’s Schmid would be seen as the terrier-like option to compete with Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse for a start.
The Austrian scored five times in the Bundesliga, assisting four goals as he was primarily used to break up counter-attacks of opposing teams.
Realistically, any of these options would suit West Ham’s boss but, ultimately, it is down to the ex-Brighton manager to decide on which profile he prefers.