Letâs be honest, when West Ham get linked with a transfer battle against Tottenham Hotspur for a Barcelona midfielder, it usually requires a bucket of salt rather than a mere pinch.
Thatâs exactly where this latest rumour sits, with the Hammers reportedly mentioned as suitors for out-of-favour Barcelona midfielder Marc CasadĂł.
So, before getting carried away, itâs worth pointing out what a reliable transfer source told Claret & Hugh:
âOf course West Ham are looking at players but wonât be signing anyone until they know what division theyâre in.â
That pretty much sets the tone and to be fair, he’s been consistent on that front.
Two lists depending on survival
West Ham may have climbed out of the relegation zone, but the proverbial bums haven’t stopped squeaking yet.
If anything, there are likely two separate recruitment plans â one for Premier League survival and another for a potential Championship campaign.
Factor in the clubâs financial situation and ridiculous borrowing, and it becomes even harder to take most transfer links at face value. In essence, we’re skint.
Priorities closer to home
As Sean Whetstone highlighted earlier, priorities would likely begin with trying to secure Axel Disasi on a permanent deal if the club stay up.
That feels far more realistic than chasing a Barcelona midfielder at this stage.
CasadĂł link comes with caveats
That said, the report from Tutto Mercato Web claims CasadĂł is currently out of favour under Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.
The 22-year-old has been capped twice by Spain and has been linked with West Ham on several occasions over the past year.
Same questions apply elsewhere
But the biggest question remains the same.
If West Ham canât fully commit to summer business until our league status is confirmed, then surely the same applies to Tottenham as well.