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.