West Ham freebie no longer an option as Irons pursue deal for relegation-threatened ace – report
West Ham United transfer news: Josh Brownhill contract clause emerges amid free transfer update
West Ham want to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, but an extension clause in his contract means a free transfer is no longer on the cards, according to HITC.
The news outlet reported on 11 April that Burnley have informed Brownhill they will trigger the extension, which means any transfer deal will have to involve a payment.
Crystal Palace and Brentford are also credited with an interest in the midfielder who is said to have rejected the chance to join David Moyes’ side in 2020 before moving to Burnley.
West Ham want to sign Josh Brownhill from Burnley
No price tag is named for Brownhill after the extension is triggered, but it has become clear the club would have to part with a fee to tempt him to join the London Stadium with Burnley likely to be relegated to the Championship.
The appeal of Premier League football should be enough to draw Brownhill away from his current club, although competition from Crystal Palace and Brentford could throw a spanner in the works if they can tempt him to make the move.
Part of the initial appeal of any deal for Brownhill would have been his availability on a free transfer given his homegrown status and experience in the Premier League to strengthen the options at the London Stadium.
Given the prominence of James Ward-Prowse, Thomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez as a midfield trio, the need for another central midfielder may not be required, and if the Hammers are to splash out on a transfer fee, it will need to be for a top player.
In other West Ham news, Robbie Savage reacted to controversial footage v Leverkusen.
