Everton are said to have joined West Ham United in the chase for one of the Hammers’ reported transfer targets.
Former Irons boss David Moyes is under pressure to get his Toffees firing after the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. His side have struggled badly in front of goal, with big summer signing Thierno Barry yet to find the net.
Now reports suggest that Everton are set to challenge West Ham for the January signing of Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee — a player widely tipped to leave Old Trafford in search of more game time.
Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have shown some improvement, but Zirkzee remains a bit-part player, often reduced to late cameo appearances. Only last week Fabrizio Romano stated West Ham were seriously interested in taking the Dutchman on loan from Old Trafford.
Zirkzee still interests West Ham according to Romano
West Ham Cooled Interest
While the Hammers are regularly linked with Zirkzee, Claret & Hugh sources have moved to play down the speculation, insisting there is no active pursuit.
“Zirkzee hasn’t even been discussed at West Ham,” said a well-placed insider.
If that’s the case — and there’s no reason to doubt it — then the battle for Zirkzee’s signature could now be a straight shootout between Everton and Roma.
West Ham remain in the market for a striker, especially with Niclas Füllkrug pushing for a return to Germany. However, despite ongoing reports, the club are understood to be taking a firm stance — the German forward will only be allowed to leave on West Ham’s terms.
For now, it seems the Hammers’ January focus lies elsewhere — while Moyes looks set to go head-to-head with Serie A for a player he once scouted himself.
This one has always had the feel of “He’s from Man. Utd so he must be worth a punt”. The fact is that Zirkzee could not cut it even in a dysfunctional MU setup and is unlikely to fare any better at West Ham. West Ham should let Moyes have him and focus on finding a more appropriate fit for their own needs.