‘The one I’m hearing’ – West Ham pushing to sign player Leicester want to sell
West Ham are pushing forward in their efforts to sign Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old has emerged as a leading target for Graham Potter.
The Hammers have been eyeing a new first-choice keeper all summer after Lukasz Fabianski’s departure and concerns about Alphonse Areola’s inconsistent displays.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 25 July that Leicester are prepared to sell Hermansen to raise funds following their relegation.
Meanwhile, they have already begun looking for replacements after Football Insider revealed on 20 June that Leicester have made contact with Asmir Begovic.
West Ham are not the only club interested in Hermansen this summer, but are determined not to lose out on their top target and are now pushing to reach an agreement.
West Ham eye Mads Hermansen after Aaron Ramsdale interest
Football Insider revealed in June that West Ham are targeting a new goalkeeper amid links with a move to sign Southampton and England’s Aaron Ramsdale.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Hammers were impressed by Hermansen’s displays last season despite Leicester’s relegation.
“West Ham are pushing to sign a new goalkeeper,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve let Fabianski go, but I’m told they don’t see Areola as being their number one.
“He’s too inconsistent and makes too many mistakes, they want somebody more reliable and they’ve been looking at a few options.
“The one I’m hearing they want is Hermansen, the Leicester City goalkeeper.
“It seems, to me, to be a bit of a risk going for a goalkeeper who has just been relegated.
“But they were keeping an eye on his performances and clearly liked what they saw, they see him as a significant upgrade on Areola.
“It’s something they have to get right, because it’s such an important deal.
“They need a new goalkeeper, they’re going to have to push to get it done soon to get him bedded in and I think that is the plan.”
Graham Potter lines up three new signings
It has been a slow start to the summer window for Potter’s side, but they are now preparing to ramp up their efforts in the coming weeks.
Football Insider revealed on 16 July that West Ham are working on three new signings despite being restricted by financial regulations so far this summer.
The Hammers need to abide by Profit and Sustainability Rules, which have limited their spending so far, but there is a growing need for reinforcements at the London Stadium.
Sources say that despite the financial situation, West Ham are moving to add a striker to their ranks, as well as another goalkeeper and a Mohammed Kudus replacement.
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