Reports that Crystal Palace are “in talks” with the Hammers over the signing of midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate should come as no big surprise.
Sky Sports News are currently running the story which most definitely has a ring of truth around it given that the midfielder is one of the players looked after by one of the Irons favourite agents – Will Salthouse of Unique Sports Management.
And having spent a small fortune by our standards this summer the time has clearly come to recoup funds as manager Manuel Pellegrini looks to strengthen the club’s playing resources even further with another midfielder.
A figure of £10 million looks about right for the Senegal international who had a dreadful season last term.
Salthouse is also believed to be very close to Palace chairman Steve Parrish and it’s that connection which could also see Michail Antonio move across to south London if Pellegrini finds no room for him in the Irons team this season.
The 28-year-old, who only recently returned to training after appearing for Senegal at the World Cup this summer, has three years remaining on his contract at the London Stadium.
I’d be sad to see him go. He does a lot of the midfield dirty work, breaking attacks up and winning fouls. Plus he’s a big bloke to get around. We’ll need someone to replace him for sure.
Clearly we’ll be losing one or two of Kouyate, Obiang and Fernandes. It’s a shame. I think Kouyate might flourish when surrounded by our new recruits. If Edi had Kouyate’s endeavour and workrate, he’d be the one to keep. Choices choices… 🙂
Agree their Buddy about Edi, he needs some aggression, technically he is one of the best we have and Manuel said he wants players with a high technical ability, he is also very fit but doesn’t apply himself well enough defensively, I have always been hopeful one of our managers would unlock Fernandes talent I have a feeling though he is just a little bit lazy which is a a tough one to solve.