Some West Ham United fans have been reacting on social media after Andy Ridgwell claimed Southampton are lining up a bid to sign Grady Diangana.
West Ham youngster Diangana is believed to have become a transfer target for the Saints, who are looking to strengthen Ralph Hasenhuttl’s attacking ranks this summer.
Southampton are not alone in courting Diangana with West Bromwich Albion likewise keen to acquire the attacker, though the Baggies are yet to reach an agreement to retain the 22-year-old following his spell at the Hawthorns on loan.
Rangers have also been touted as a potential suitor, while Ridgwell adds that Crystal Palace are also interested but does not suggest the Eagles have yet lined up an offer.
Reports over the weekend by the Sunday People (9/8, p. 61) also linked Leicester City, but claimed David Moyes wants to keep Diangana at the London Stadium and has placed a £15million asking price on the forward in a bid to ward off any potential suitors.
It remains to be seen if any side is willing to offer £15m for Diangana following his efforts on loan in the Championship with West Brom, for whom he scored eight times and assisted seven goals for in 30 outings.
Should any side offer West Ham their full asking price, Ridgwell expects the Irons will use those funds in their pursuit of Queens Park Rangers’ Eberechi Eze who has been valued at £20m after scoring 14 goals and providing eight assists over 46 Championship appearances in 2019/20.
However, lots of West Ham fans would be furious to see academy graduate Diangana sold to fund a pursuit of Eze.
I will never forgive this club if we sell Grady for Eze https://t.co/AVicBBJSwS
— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) August 9, 2020
That would be another Poor decision again selling Grady who had the better season for WBA and imo is the better more consistent player than Eze!!
— Jamie (@Jmorbster1) August 10, 2020
Selling Diangana to buy Eze is a breathtakingly stupid decision. Not even West Ham would do that! https://t.co/F1OkHBclK1
— LindsayWesker (@LindsayWesker) August 10, 2020
Many Irons supporters have laughed off the anger of others, as they believe Diangana has yet proven his worth in the top-flight whereas Eze has the potential to thrive from the start.
Diangana has played 17 times in the Premier League but is yet to score a single goal and has one assist to his name, whereas 22-year-old Eze is yet to play in the top-flight.
Why 🤣🤣 Grady is nowhere near the finished article we haven’t got time for that https://t.co/P9kI3fWbJF
— Jack (@_JackWHU) August 9, 2020
Don’t be daft…Moyes has vast football experience and is capable of making the right decision
— Ian Rivers (@IanRivers8) August 10, 2020
What is everybody seeing in Diangana , totally underwhelming in his Premier Lg appearances . Championship is his level
— AABCoyi (@AabCoyi) August 9, 2020
I’d sell Grady for Eze 😂
— Steve Merry (@steve_merry7) August 10, 2020