Tim Steidten is trying to sign West Ham players before manager arrives – Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed West Ham transfer chief Tim Steidten will have to wait for a new manager’s “blessing” before pressing ahead with his transfer plans.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed a foreign manager’s arrival could disrupt plans to sign multiple home-grown stars.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (29 April) that West Ham are plotting four to six new signings in the summer window – with a particular focus on the domestic market.
It is believed Steidten has drawn up a list of targets – but will need to make sure the Irons have eight home-grown stars in their 25-man squad as the likes of Michail Antonio, Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell prepare to leave.
West Ham transfer plans to be affected by manager search, says Wyness
He is also set to search for a new manager, with Football Insider revealed last week (24 April) that David Moyes has privately informed friends that he expects to leave at the end of the season.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I know for a fact West Ham are looking at a few domestic-based players. Jacob Greaves from Hull is one.
“But is there going to be a managerial change which will dictate the transfer policy?
“Is the sporting director going to be allowed to sign these players without a manager in place? If a foreign manager comes in, will he know enough about these home-grown players?
“There are so many questions. If it was Moyes staying, he would know everything about these domestic talents. I know how he works.
“I think the sporting director will play a key role in getting the right blend of players in, but he will have to wait for a new manager to give it his blessing – in my opinion.”
In other news, West Ham given encouragement as top target’s price tag slashed.
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