'Wild' Willy Carvalho Transfer Update

Encouraging news is emerging from various Portugese media outlets with regards to what would be an upping of the stakes Hammers move for William Carvalho. Reports suggest that the player's representative, Pere Guardiola, Pep's brother, has already agreed terms for the 25 year old combative midfielder for a five year deal. The suggested wages seem a little on the low side but that might be because Sporting Lisbon are holding out for the player's release clause value of €50 Million, it is thought Hammer's officials have been negotiating a deal closer to €40 Million, €5 Million of which would be in bonuses.

If Carvalho does arrive at The London Stadium, it will represent a significant statement of intent from the much maligned board of West Ham albeit a year too late! Over £30 Million on one player is a massive investment but is only just a step up from the money paid for Ayew and 'Arnie'. The Two Davids, Gold and Sullivan, are quite rightly loathe to committing to a player's purchase without some form of redress, especially given some of their past shockers, they have adopted the loan first policy as a safeguard, but now is the time to bite the bullet otherwise the club risks losing touch with those around who are all investing heavily just to stand still!

Diário de Notícias is one of the most respected Portugese media portals, they have been running the story about William Carvalho non stop, only problem is they don't confirm that West Ham is his club of choice to go to, only that the Premier League is where he wants to end up, which leaves the lingering doubt that another 'money bags' EPL team might hijack the move. It is to be hoped that is not the case, because last season West Ham United's midfield was ripped apart on a regular basis, especially by the top teams.

There is a general feeling that 'Wild' Willy Carvalho (as he is called by the Sporting fans) wouldn't be as accommodating when it comes to giving the opposition space as those who have occupied his potential berth in the past, far from it, his tenacious approach is renowned and would hopefully rub of on his team mates. Quite who would make way for him in the team is a matter of some conjecture, although given that Cheik Kayoute's injury is looking like it is going keep him out for at least a month there is an instant vacancy, however once Kayoute returns there will be some hard choices for Slaven Billic to make, one of which will be how to incorporate 'captain West Ham' Mark Noble in to a line up that is clearly designed to have a lot more pace and purpose than last season's leggy insipid displays (Tottenham, Chelsea and Swansea matches excluded!)? - Ed