By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Fresh Transfer Links Emerge
Football ITK Fabrizio Romano’s partner-in-crime Matteo Moretto has today reported interest from both Fulham and Everton in West Ham striker Taty Castellanos.
In what I suspect is nothing more than a fishing expedition and a little mischief-making, the Italian journalist has linked both clubs with a move for Castellanos, who earlier today was one of the faces of the Hammers’ new New Balance kit and training wear launch.
However, as Claret & Hugh reported earlier today, West Ham are in no mood to sell Castellanos.
Thus far, the Hammers have received just one derisory €15 million bid, around half of the £27 million they paid Lazio for the Argentine striker back in January.
Speaking exclusively to C&H earlier today, a well-known football agent said:
“West Ham won’t sell him. They’ve had one offer for €15 million and that’s it.”
Earlier Claims Also Dismissed
Interestingly, Moretto also linked AC Milan with a move for Castellanos earlier this week, something our source also firmly dismissed.
“Milan can’t afford him. They’re in massive financial trouble and have already committed to transfers. They can’t afford him.”
Castellanos is understood to be viewed as a key part of West Ham’s plans for an immediate return to the Premier League, with both the club and head coach Nuno Espírito Santo keen to keep the Argentine leading the line next season.
That said, we’ve yet to hear anything directly from the player’s camp.
What seems more likely is that Castellanos’ name is simply being circulated in various transfer stories, which can often happen at this stage of the window.
Certainly, Romano himself has faced scrutiny over the past week regarding his perceived involvement in reporting stories around players wanted by buying clubs.
For the moment, I’m not overly concerned by these latest claims and won’t be reading too much into them.