West Ham United have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Leeds United attacker Crysencio Summerville.
The 22-year-old has become one of the most sought-after players in the summer transfer window following a magnificent 2023-24 campaign with Leeds.
Summerville was named Championship Player of the Year last season after contributing with 20 goals and nine assists in 46 league appearances, although he was unable to fire the Whites to promotion to the Premier League.
Indeed, Leeds suffered heartache in the Championship playoff final, losing 1-0 to Southampton, and are now preparing for their third straight season in the second tier.
Although he still has two years left on his contract, Summerville is widely expected to leave Elland Road this summer as Leeds are forced to cash in on some of their star players to balance their books after missing out on promotion.
© Imago
Recent reports have indicated that Summerville is open to joining Chelsea this summer, with the versatile attacker favouring a move to Stamford Bridge over a switch to Ligue 1 outfit Rennes after holding talks with both clubs.
The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen have also been linked with a summer swoop for Summerville.
Three new names have now been credited with an interest in the Dutchman, including West Ham with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that they have submitted an initial proposal to Leeds regarding a move for the attacker.
Talks are said to have also taken place on the player’s side, but as things stand, an agreement is not close and West Ham currently consider a move for Summerville ‘very expensive’.
A separate report from talkSPORT claims that the Hammers have held talks with Summerville’s agent, but they are yet to table a formal bid for the player.
Serie A side Roma are another club said to have added Summerville to their list of targets, while Sky Sports News reports that Fulham have expressed an initial interest in Leeds’ No.10.
© Reuters
West Ham struggling to meet Summerville asking price?
From West Ham’s perspective, initial discussions with Leeds have highlighted a big gap in valuations and the Hammers would need Summerville’s asking price to come down to pursue a deal.
It is understood that Summerville is valued by Leeds between £30m and £40m, and it seems unlikely at this stage that they will reduce their asking price amid interest in his services.
West Ham have already forked out in excess of £60m on centre-back Max Kilman and teenage winger Luis Guilherme this summer, while they are believed to have plans to bolster Julen Lopetegui‘s squad in other areas.
N’Golo Kante is said to be Lopetegui’s primary midfield target, while the addition of a centre-forward and another central defender is also thought to be high on their agenda ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
