Hammers still wait on Soucek

By Hughie Southon

West Ham are still to receive any offers for Tomas Soucek despite the rumour factory having gone into overdrive.

Eddie Howe…a Soucek admirer

The Sun claimed in a recent story that Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton were ready to make bids but we have been told that there has been no formal interest lodged at this stage.

An agent close to the situation has told ClaretandHugh that Frank Lampard’s Toffees can be counted out of any move as they have little or no money to spend in this window…although he didn’t put it quite as politely as that.

Villa have shown no interest at this stage although we were told – as might be expected – that Eddie Howe at Newcastle likes the player.

Our agent added that hopes of a £40 million deal were not on adding that £25 million would be a more realistic scenario,

However, there remains there remains the possibility that Soucek will be starting the season at West Ham should the Irons not get an offer they consider sensible.