West Ham’s Pursuit for Chelsea Star Gallagher Hits a Wall
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Fabinho set for Al Ittihad transfer after Liverpool leave midfielder out of tour squad
Fabinho has been left out of the Liverpool squad for their pre-season trip to Singapore with the midfielder expected to complete his switch to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.
The move had been in jeopardy earlier in the week as talks stalled over the payment structure of the transfer.
However, negotiations have since resumed with all parties committed to getting the deal done.
The Brazil international was targeted in a £40million ($52m) package by Al Ittihad, as Saudi Pro League sides continue their summer of spending after the country’s Public Investment Fund took control of the four biggest clubs.
Al Ittihad’s bid to recruit Fabinho saw him left out of manager Jurgen Klopp’s squad for a summer training camp in Germany, from which they returned to the UK on Monday.
They fly to Singapore on Thursday and the week-long trip will see them play friendlies against Leicester City and Bayern Munich.
Liverpool have lined up Southampton’s Romeo Lavia as Fabinho’s replacement. Their initial bid of £37m for the Belgium international was rejected but talks between the clubs are ongoing with confidence that a compromise can be reached.
It had been rumoured that the deal could be scuppered by an apparent rule in Saudi Arabia banning the breed of dogs Fabinho owns. However, any doubt over the move had nothing to do with his two French bulldogs.
The fervour at the heart of West Ham has been ignited by the prospect of securing Conor Gallagher. The Irons had pinned their hopes on an enticing offer of £40 million plus add-ons to bring this English midfield talent from Chelsea to East London. Yet, the Blues were swift to dismiss such figures, a clear demonstration of their valuation of the 23-year-old gem .
Despite the growing interest from Tottenham and Newcastle, the youngster appears resolved to hold his ground at Stamford Bridge, the lure of working under Mauricio Pochettino proving too strong to resist.
This statement, released during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States, paints a vivid picture of the Argentinian manager’s vision for Gallagher.
The Chelsea academy graduate, having notched up goals in their friendly triumphs over Wrexham and Brighton in the US, has two years left on his current contract.
West Ham’s Fruitless Quest for New Midfield Maestro
This frustrating episode forms the latest chapter in the Hammers’ pursuit for a successor to defensive midfielder Declan Rice. The linchpin, valued at £105m, departed for Arsenal earlier this month, leaving David Moyes’ squad in dire need of replacement.
West Ham’s attempts to recruit Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, Juventus’ Denis Zakaria, and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha have hit roadblocks. However, the chase is still on, with James Ward-Prowse from Southampton now in their sights, and negotiations reportedly showing a positive trend.
Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana also feature on West Ham’s shortlist, as the club leaves no stone unturned in its mission to find the best.