West Ham finalise ‘great addition’ – ‘he comes with a big reputation’
West Ham United have made a big addition as they look to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window.
Graham Potter’s side are coming off the back of a challenging season, finishing 14th in the Premier League.
The Hammers are expected to undergo a big overhaul this summer as they look to compete higher up the table in the upcoming campaign.
To help do that, West Ham have confirmed the appointment of former Fiorentina chief scout Antonio Tramontano, as an Italian market scout.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the 36-year-old will be a success in East London.
‘West Ham’s style suited by Italian talent’
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Tramontano comes to the Premier League with a “big reputation”.
The Hammers are expected to exploit opportunities in the Italian market, now that they have a specialist in that region.
Wyness added that these Italian talents suit the style of West Ham, as well as Potter.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “We haven’t seen that many transfers, to be honest, between Serie A and the Premier League really over the years.
“Look, there’s no doubt this guy comes with a big reputation. He worked with Fiorentina and he knows what he’s talking about. I’m sure that he’ll do well for West Ham.
“There is a market for Italian talent for a club like West Ham. It does suit their style. Potter will be an advanced thinker on some of these things.
“Let’s just see where it goes. Certainly having great scouts on the ground with great connections is so important these days in the game, and apparently this guy has that.”
‘West Ham close to new signing’
Meanwhile, West Ham are reportedly advancing in talks over a deal to sign Slavia Prague star El Hadji Malick Diouf.
That is according to their former scout Mick Brown, who claims that that the Hammers have been in talks with the 20-year-old’s agent.
West Ham have a well-established working relationship with Slavia Prague thanks to Daniel Kretinsky’s investment and plan to utilise their connections again.
After turning down a £17.5million bid already, Slavia Prague are believed to be holding out for £20million for the Senegal international, and hope to inspire a bidding war.
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