As Claret and Hugh wrote this morning, the West Ham board face stern tests of their financial standing – and their determination to hang onto key players -now that their two top talents have departed.
With the ‘showcase’ players now sold, the expectation has been set by the board that the Hammers will hang on to their remaining top talent for the Championship challenge ahead.
The Summerville and Fernandes cash has provided renewed solidity for the club’s finances after last season’s £105 m loss and the cash flow crisis engendered by Sullivan’s “pay day loan’ methodology, but the true test of the board’s position will come once offers for players the club need to keep start to materialise, as is inevitable.
And Brentford have already had an answer to their attempt to lure defender El – Hadji Malick Diouf away, in a strong repose by the Hammers’ board, according to the standard.co.uk, who report:
“El Hadji Malick Diouf: West Ham issue transfer warning after rejecting Brentford bid
West Ham’s Diouf is not for sale
WEST HAM HAVE ISSUED A HANDS-OFF WARNING OVER EL HADJI MALICK DIOUF
Standard Sport understands that West Ham have no intention of selling the 21-year-old left-back after raising almost £150million through the sales of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville. It is unclear whether Brentford will come back in with another bid
West Ham had been in need of player sales following their relegation to the Championship, but after negotiating sizeable fees for Fernandes and Summerville they are now determined to keep the bulk of their squad together.”
The amount offered isn’t yet known: Nor is Brentford’s intent. With their need to strengthen their left-sided defence, it may not be an end to their attempt. First round, however, to West Ham.
£50m and they can have him.
Pay up or move on.