By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with West Ham over the possible signing of Crysencio Summerville.
According to TalkSport’s Ben Jacobs, the Old Trafford club have made direct contact with the Hammers, although discussions are said to be at an exploratory stage.
Jacobs also reports that any formal move could depend upon Manchester United first finding a buyer for Marcus Rashford.
Manchester United Return After Fernandes Miss
United were one of the clubs chasing Mateus Fernandes, but after delaying their move they ultimately watched Tottenham Hotspur complete an £85 million deal.
If TalkSport’s information is accurate, it suggests Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recruitment team are keen not to miss out on another major target.
Speaking on TalkSport and via social media, Jacobs said:
“Exclusive: Manchester United open talks with West Ham over Crysencio Summerville.
Direct club-to-club contact.
Classified by Manchester United sources as exploratory at this stage, but the Dutch winger high in Man U’s thinking.”
West Ham Hold The Strong Hand
Much has changed since Summerville’s impressive World Cup campaign.
His performances have only strengthened his reputation and, with it, his market value.
West Ham’s approach under Daniel Křetínský has so far been clear. There appears to be little appetite for lengthy negotiations or bargain basment deals. The price is the price… Simples!
Whether Manchester United are prepared to meet that figure remains to be seen, but after missing out on Fernandes they may feel they cannot afford another drawn-out pursuit.
How Much More Change Can West Ham Absorb?
Summerville has long been viewed as one of the players most likely to leave this summer, much like Fernandes before his move to Tottenham.
From a West Ham perspective, supporters will hope any further departures are kept to a minimum.
Retaining the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Taty Castellanos and Konstantinos Mavropanos would go a long way towards giving Nuno Espírito Santo the strongest possible squad for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Wouldn’t mind their young defender Heavan in part of the deal.
So all ManU need to do is find a buyer willing to take Rashford and his 300k a week salary.
I think we might be waiting a while if that is the case. If they do find a buyer, and then come pleading poverty to us (which they will do) we should point out the 15 million in annual salary cost they’ve just freed up.
I would rather you put out the ‘message’ we should stick by Kretinskys ‘word’ and keep Summerville! Otherwise we are going to end up with a championship midfield & attack and not get promoted! Summerville will get used to it and its best for WH which is the critical factor!
Man Utd appear to be p!ssed off missing out on Fernandes and determined to get Summerville.
Would rather he stayed but can be a little fragile.
Push the boat out and ask £65m.
Bringing £150m total for whu two best assets.
Hopefully this be the full extent of players we would have preferred to keep.
Have Leeds got a sell on clause?
Kretinsky £100m/sold players £150m/parachute £50m/Todibo £25m/Bissaka £15m. £340m.
Wipes out debt and buys some players. Disarsi for a start?
I hope we stand strong and tell them 50m all paid upfront or bugger off.
Do we know the expected fee? £50m would be wonderful. It would mean that between Fernandes & Summerville we would have probably recouped as much from these two as we would have for F, S & Bowen. Sullivan’s poor dealings could be really highlighted if we do get £40-50m for Jimmy.
S&B were both below average at their jobs. They just earn a lot of money being below average.