Reports suggesting that Metz midfielder Alpha Toure has signed a pre-contract with West Ham United with a supposed £7m fee agreed between both sides are well wide of the mark.
Claret & Hugh asked a top transfer insider this morning who confirmed that this was nonsense, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding West Ham’s Premier League status. Toure, a young Senegalese defensive midfielder, has featured 30 times in Ligue 1 this season, registering one assist, and remains under contract with Metz until 2028.
The reports suggest that the player was willing to join even if West Ham were relegated to the Championship.
The Hammers were previously linked to the player during the January transfer window with the youngster saying at the time “It’s always flattering when clubs like West Ham or Beskitas show interest in me. But I’m under contract at Metz and I’m very focused on my season.”
Currently, no transfer decisions will be made until the Hammers’ season is concluded. The club must first resolve key structural issues, including the appointment of a Director of Football and potentially a new manager before any incoming deals are considered.
Oh my aching sides. No one whose decent is going to sign for us