By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Watford have rejected a £10m bid from Hull City for West Ham target Nestory Irankunda.
The Aussie wide man was linked with a move to the London Stadium after starring for his country in their opening match of the World Cup. However, it is newly promoted Hull rather than the Hammers who have made the first move with an initial offer.
Hull Test Watford’s Resolve
The Premier League newcomers are looking to strengthen their attacking options this summer but are already having to walk the tightrope of financial restrictions. The Championship’s new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules are likely to make life increasingly difficult for promoted clubs going forward.
Hull had to sell striker sell striker Kyle Joseph to Middlesboro earlier this week to ensure compliance with EFL financial rules.
Watford clearly believe Irankunda is worth more than Hull’s opening offer, with the Hornets under no immediate pressure to sell.
World Cup Form Attracting Attention
Irankunda scored Australia’s opening goal in their group-stage victory over Turkey, further enhancing his reputation after an impressive start.
Watford signed the 20-year-old from Bayern Munich for just £2.5m last summer. Bayern retained a 50 per cent sell-on clause as well as a buy-back option, meaning any future transfer could become more complicated.
Summerville Successor?
The Australia international still has four years remaining on his Watford contract and has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Crysencio Summerville, who continues to attract interest from Manchester United following his own impressive World Cup with the Netherlands.
If Hull’s rejected £10m bid is anything to go by, any club hoping to prise Irankunda away from Vicarage Road may have to pay significantly more before Watford are prepared to listen.
West Ham’s recruitment team are expected to assess a number of wide players this summer as they prepare for life after any potential departure, with strengthening the attack remaining a priority in the current transfer window.