West Ham United have identified three midfield options as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to strengthen his squad, with a £25million move for priority target Arne Engels proving increasingly difficult to complete.
Engels remains West Ham’s first choice, but Celtic’s desire to keep the Belgium international for their Champions League qualification campaign could force the Hammers to wait until later in the transfer window. ExWHUEmployee reports that Jordan James and Josh Mulligan are alternative options should progress on Engels continue to prove difficult.
It gives West Ham a clear three-man midfield plan as recruitment director Nils Koppen continues the rebuild following relegation.
West Ham transfer news: Engels remains priority
Engels has been on West Ham’s radar for several weeks.
Sky Sports previously reported that the Hammers were in talks with Celtic, who value the 22-year-old at around £25m. Celtic rejected an earlier West Ham offer, with then-manager Martin O’Neill saying it did not come close to their valuation.
There is also competition to consider.
ReadWestHam reported on Monday that Nottingham Forest could revive their pursuit of Engels, having already seen multiple approaches rejected by Celtic. West Ham nevertheless remained described as front-runners at that stage.
ExWHUEmployee’s latest update indicates that Engels is still West Ham’s priority midfield target, but Celtic want to retain him while attempting to qualify for the Champions League. Any agreement could consequently be pushed towards the latter stages of the window.
Jordan James and Josh Mulligan emerge as alternatives
West Ham are not putting everything into one deal.
Rennes midfielder Jordan James is named by ExWHUEmployee as another option, alongside Hibernian’s Josh Mulligan, should the club eventually decide Engels is too difficult to prise away from Celtic.
Mulligan is already known to the Hammers.
ReadWestHam reported in June that West Ham had made an initial enquiry for the Hibernian midfielder. Ben Jacobs reported at the time that no bid had been submitted, while Mulligan’s energetic and versatile displays had attracted attention from several English clubs.
The latest development suggests he remains under consideration rather than that earlier interest disappearing.
West Ham therefore appear to have a decision to make. Waiting for Engels could land Nuno his preferred option, but it also carries the risk of Celtic refusing to sell or a Premier League club moving first.
James and Mulligan give the Hammers alternatives if that happens.
With the Championship campaign about to begin, West Ham’s midfield search looks increasingly like one of the key pieces of business still to be resolved.
