Edvin Austbø has handed West Ham United fresh encouragement after publicly admitting the Hammers are a club that interests him following their rejected £8million offer.
West Ham submitted a proposal worth around 100million Norwegian kroner for the Viking winger earlier this week, equivalent to roughly £7.8m. Viking rejected the offer and have shown little desire to lose one of their brightest young players during their European campaign.
The latest Edvin Austbo West Ham transfer development now gives Nuno Espírito Santo a clear indication that the player himself would be open to the move.
Edvin Austbo opens door to West Ham transfer
Speaking to Stavanger Aftenblad, with the comments relayed by Sport Witness, Austbø confirmed he is aware of West Ham’s approach and described the east London club as an attractive option.
The 21-year-old said West Ham are “a cool club” and are of interest to him, while also making clear that he has no intention of forcing Viking into accepting an offer they are unhappy with.
Austbø has nevertheless told the Norwegian champions that he wants to move on if the right opportunity emerges.
He explained that he has been patient and is ready to take the next step in his career, provided his next club offers ambition, a development plan and a realistic route to regular football.
That gives West Ham something to work with if they decide to return with an improved offer.
ReadWestHam reported on Tuesday that Viking had rejected West Ham’s opening £8m bid, with the Norwegian club determined to keep Austbø during their European qualifiers.
The winger has come through Viking’s academy and has registered 17 goals and 13 assists across 75 senior appearances. He remains under contract until December 2028.
West Ham are also assessing other wide options. ReadWestHam reported within the last 24 hours that talks over Reiss Nelson had moved towards a permanent transfer, highlighting Nuno’s continued desire to strengthen his attacking depth.
There have been no further talks between West Ham and Viking since the opening bid was rejected.
But Austbø’s message could hardly be clearer.
If the clubs can find an agreement, he is prepared to seriously consider West Ham.
