Marquee Irons signing? Here’s the reality

West Ham are not likely to be making a  marquee signing this summer as is being speculated across the national and social media.

It has been widely reported that the Hammers are ready to splash out anything up to £25 million on one player simply because they are moving to a new stadium.

But players at that price usually command anything from between £150,000 to £200,000 a week in wages so in five words: “It’s not going to happen.”

Co chairman David Gold – rejoicing in the influx of signings over the last year, all of whom have exceeded expectations – made it clear the present signing policy is set to continue said: “Why would we change things when our policies have proves so successful.”

Looking at those players who have arrived and proved immensely successful we find:

Darren Randolph – Free

Aaron Cresswell – signed for £3.5m rising to £7 million on appearances

Chiek Kouyate  – £8 million

Pedro Obiang – £4 million

Diafra Sakho – £3.5 million

Enner Valencia – £12 million

Angelo Ogbonna £8 million

Sam Byram £3.8 million

Dimitri Payet – £10.5 million

Michail Antonio – £7 million

That’s a total of  just over £60 million on ten players which – if such things can be averaged – clearly works out at at £6 million each.

Said Gold: Many who start these stories about big money stars are fans so it’s all understandable but the facts show we have developed a very good scouting system and identify value for money.

“We have absolutely no reason to change direction. Yes, we discuss a lot of players and one or two sometimes escape into the public domain.

Given the number of players we scout each week that can happen but it doesn’t mean we are doing a deal or even close to it.”

The figures spent back up fully Gold’s point and it would be no surprise at all if Manu Lanzini doesn’t become the biggest signing of the summer at £8 million.