West Ham Exclusive: Potters Last Ditch Call to Save Transfer

West Ham manager Graham Potter has made a personal phone call in a last-ditch attempt to secure a deal for Angel Gomes — but it appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

The Lille and England midfielder has reportedly turned down the chance to join West Ham, despite Potter’s efforts to convince him directly.

The Hammers initially made contact with Gomes’ representatives in January via a third party, submitting what has been described as an “unimpressive” offer to sign the former Manchester United player on a free transfer ahead of the summer.

Since then, the club opted to ditch the intermediary and Potter personally called Gomes to discuss his project at the London Stadium.

Unfortunately, the timing hasn’t worked in West Ham’s favour. Gomes is understood to have received several offers from Premier League clubs — including Fulham, Crystal Palace, Spurs, and another unnamed side.

He is set to return to the Premier League, and Claret & Hugh has been informed that the skilful midfielder intends to make a “football decision.”

A lifelong Manchester United fan, Gomes would reportedly relish a second stint at Old Trafford, but it’s understood that the playing style of his next club has been a key factor in his thinking.

Reading between the lines, West Ham’s dip in form may have hindered our chances — especially when clubs like Fulham and Palace are playing with more swagger.

It’s been quite the twist in the Lille free transfer saga. Just two months ago, Jonathan David seemed an impossible target, with Gomes seen as the more realistic option.

Now, however, it appears the tables have turned — with David looking like a real possibility if Potter decides to pull the trigger, while Gomes has slipped out of reach.