Some West Ham supporters have been reacting on social media after the Evening Standard reported who Manuel Pellegrini has lined up in case we cannot sign Andre Gomes.
The FC Barcelona midfielder enjoyed a solid campaign while on loan with Everton, and is now thought to be the boss’ number one target as he looks to refresh the core of the first-team squad.
However, Sporting Director Mario Husillos saw his £18million offer for the 25-year-old rejected by his Catalan parent side, who are yet to respond to an improved £20million bid.
But, even though Everton are yet to officially lodge their intent to retain Gomes in the same capacity as we have, the midfielder has hinted that his heart is set on a permanent move to Goodison Park, where he scored twice and assisted one goal in all competitions.
Should our efforts to sign Gomes prove unsuccessful, the Evening Standard understand previously speculated targets Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey are both possible alternatives, as the Newcastle United pair would be available for £15million each.
Being English, either one of the duo would help boost our homegrown quota, while Hayden is keen to secure a move away from St James’ Park to be closer to his young family, as his daughter requires regular medical attention.
Shelvey, on the other hand, recently spoke to Newcastle’s official website, and stated that he intends to fight for his future on Tyneside until the Magpies tell him his time at the club is over.
Another name was also thrown into the ring over the weekend in Kostas Fortounis, although the Evening Standard do not mention the Olympiacos midfielder in their report.
When it was later shared on Twitter that Hayden and Shelvey have been lined up as Pellegrini’s alternatives for Gomes, though, here is how these West Ham fans reacted…
Oh, has the season ticket renewal date passed? Yeah thought so. ????
— Chris Burrell (@deanashtonsfoot) June 4, 2019
what a step backwards
— stevie dove (@1Steviend) June 4, 2019
Makes me laugh that people expect us to sign CL caliber players without having CL to offer. We need to improve slowly and get one or two quality signings in per year as we sell off/release older players. It’s about small steps, but most want “next level” over night.
— IronsmanJP (@IronsManJP) June 4, 2019
Both not good enough ,#goingbackwards
— lee (@LWillbourne) June 4, 2019
These signing just stink of Dave and Dave
— ⚒Forever West Ham⚒ (@Harrycass11) June 4, 2019
Neither of these signings relate to the word “strengthen”.
— Marshall⚒ (@MrshllClrke) June 4, 2019
Hayden maybe, as cover for Rice (& less than £15m) but its a hard pass on Shelvey.
— David Clerihew (@DavidClerihew) June 4, 2019
I can’t really judged them until they play for West Ham! As we all know managers and staff can bring the best out of the new players!
— Dilton (@diltondiltond1) June 4, 2019
????
— MARNZ™️ (@Marnzinho) June 4, 2019
