A Premier League rival looks set to announce a deal in the biggest clue yet West Ham are close to their fourth signing of the summer.
West Ham have been busy this summer making three signings thus far.
But the Hammers are only just getting started with another five being targeted as part of a major overhaul.
Technical director Tim Steidten has been working alongside new West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui on areas of the team which need strengthening as well as targets.
As a general rule West Ham are looking to bring in players of a lower age profile.
But versatility is the key quality Steidten is looking for, as the German confirmed himself after unveiling Luis Guilherme last month.
One area West Ham have been in talks to strengthen is full-back.
Rivals to announce deal that’s big news for Hammers
West Ham have been in negotiations with Southampton over deals for Flynn Downes and Kyle Walker-Peters.
With Saints pushing to keep Downes on a permanent deal, West Ham are said to want Walker-Peters – who can play right and left-back – to come the other way.
They have stalled, though, with reports now claiming Southampton want more money from West Ham for Walker-Peters – who is in the last year of his deal.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth revealed talks over Walker-Peters ‘have highlighted valuation gap’ between West Ham and Southampton.
Since then West Ham’s attentions have turned to Man United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
In fact it was claimed yesterday that the Hammers will bid imminently for Wan-Bissaka.
Now the club’s rivals are set to announce a deal in the biggest clue yet West Ham are close to a fourth signing.
Biggest clue yet West Ham are close to fourth signing
According to Dutch site Transfer Watch, Southampton have signed Japanese right-back Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar.
West Ham fans may remember Sugawara from their wins over Alkmaar in the semi-final on the way to Europa Conference League glory last year.
The report claim the 24-year-old has secured his desired transfer to Southampton after five years with Alkmaar.
“The deal has been finalised and will be officially announced for the English club in the coming days,” the report states.
“The Japanese player will sign a multi-year contract with Southampton.”
Sugawara played 30 matches in the Eredivisie last season, scoring four goals and laying on seven assists. He also contributed to nine clean sheets.
This is surely the clearest indication that Southampton are about to sell Walker-Peters to West Ham.
Perhaps Saints wanted to get their replacement signed before allowing the ex Spurs star to join the Hammers?
Was Wan-Bissaka used to push Saints into decision?
Southampton had already dropped a big hint that Walker-Peters was on his way with a move for Max Aarons.
Now the Sugawara deal suggests signing number four is not far away for Steidten and Lopetegui.
Some Hammers fans might be thinking perhaps they should be moving for Sugawara instead as he fits Steidten’s recruitment profile.
But Walker-Peters has Premier League experience and although he’s a touch older, ticks the homegrown player box too for the Irons.
It looks like West Ham may have played another blinder here too.
When the Hammers were in negotiations with Wolves for Max Kilman, the club were suddenly said to have bid for Jean-Clair Todibo.
Within 48 hours the deal with Wolves was done with suggestions it forced their hand for fear of missing out on the money on offer from the Hammers.
Have West Ham now used to same trick on Southampton with the public show of interest in Wan-Bissaka?
It seems fans won’t have to wait too long to find out.
