‘West Ham close in on Josh Brownhill signing in huge Burnley blow’
West Ham are closing in on a deal to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill on a free transfer, according to their former senior scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout for the likes of Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 29-year-old is now expected to make the move to the London Stadium.
Burnley were keen to extend their captain’s stay at Turf Moor following their promotion to the Premier League, but have been dealt a “huge blow” by the Hammers.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 5 May that West Ham are pushing to sign Brownhill, but faced competition from Everton.
Now, Graham Potter’s side have moved ahead of their rivals and feel he would be an improvement on their current options in the middle of the park.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in April that Potter will demand to be backed in the transfer market after a frustrating season at the London Stadium.
West Ham move ahead in race to sign Burnley’s Josh Brownhill
Brown told Football Insider on 25 May that West Ham could let Tomas Soucek leave if they can bring in a replacement in the transfer window.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Brownhill will add something different to Potter’s side.
“Josh Brownhill looks like he is going to West Ham,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve been looking at that deal and from what I hear they’re getting closer to an agreement.
“It’s going to be a huge blow to Burnley, because I have no doubts they would have wanted to keep him after the season he had.
“He’s a player who will give you at least a 7/10 performance every week.
“He often goes unnoticed, but he can be very important and he’ll give West Ham something different.
“I think he’s an improvement on what they’ve got at the moment, and he’s a good professional which is always good to have in the dressing room.
“It’s a good move, I think, for him and for West Ham.
“But it’s a bit disappointing from a Burnley point of view that he’s leaving.”
Kyle Walker-Peters update emerges at the London Stadium
The Hammers are aiming to improve Potter’s squad this summer, and have been keeping a close eye on the free agent market to do so.
Alongside their move to sign Brownhill, Football Insider revealed West Ham want to sign Kyle Walker-Peters when he leaves Southampton.
Everton are also believed to be interested in the full-back who has impressed a number of suitors despite Southampton’s disappointing relegation.
Brown first told Football Insider in March that West Ham are preparing to sign Walker-Peters and will make an offer once his contract at St Mary’s expires.
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