West Ham Pursue Niclas Fullkrug as Jhon Duran Deal Stalls

West Ham's Target Niclas Fullkrug: Transfer Talks with Borussia Dortmund

West Ham United is actively pursuing a deal to sign striker Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund. Following their search for alternative options, the club is currently discussing the conditions of a potential transfer. Earlier negotiations with Aston Villa for Colombian striker Jhon Duran have stalled, prompting West Ham to shift their focus to Fullkrug.

Current Status of Jhon Duran's Transfer

West Ham's interest in Jhon Duran remains intact; however, there is a significant gap in the valuation set by Aston Villa. The initial proposal, which included cash and midfielder Lewis Orford, appears to be off the table, especially since Orford is now in talks for a new contract with the club.

Fullkrug's Readiness for a Move

According to Sky Sports News, Niclas Fullkrug is open to making the move to West Ham. Personal terms are anticipated not to be a hurdle in finalizing the agreement. The 31-year-old forward recently completed two years of his contract and had an impressive season, scoring 15 goals in 43 appearances for Dortmund, including three goals in the UEFA Champions League.

Fullkrug's Impact and International Career

Fullkrug’s outstanding form not only contributed to Dortmund reaching the Champions League final but also earned him a call-up for Germany's Euro 2024 squad. He managed to score twice in five matches during the tournament, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable striker.

Interest in Villarreal's Alexander Sorloth

In addition to Fullkrug, West Ham is keeping an eye on another attacking option: Alexander Sorloth from Villarreal. The 28-year-old striker had a standout season in LaLiga, finishing as the second top scorer with 23 goals and adding three more in the Europa League. Sorloth's impressive performances have made him a viable option for the Hammers as they aim to bolster their forward line.

Potential Signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka

West Ham is also reportedly in advanced talks with Manchester United to sign right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Sources indicate that the clubs are close to reaching an agreement, with discussions centered around United's valuation, expected to exceed £15 million. Wan-Bissaka is currently in the final year of his contract and is keen to explore his options.

Implications for Manchester United

Should Wan-Bissaka move to West Ham, it would facilitate Manchester United's pursuit of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. Reports suggest that personal terms for Mazraoui have already been agreed upon, indicating a potential quick progression once Wan-Bissaka's transfer is completed.

2024 Summer Transfer Window Timeline

The 2024 summer transfer window will officially close on August 30 at 11 PM UK time for Premier League clubs and 11:30 PM in Scotland. This year, the Premier League has shifted Deadline Day to align with other major European leagues, such as those in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.

Conclusion

As the summer transfer window approaches its deadline, West Ham United is making strategic moves in the market. With targets like Niclas Fullkrug and Alexander Sorloth on their radar, the club is poised to enhance its squad significantly. The outcome of these negotiations will be pivotal for the team's prospects in the upcoming season.