Rangers and Celtic duo on West Ham United transfer radar as former Ibrox chief plots SPFL raids
Rangers and Celtic players are on the radar of West Ham United, it’s been claimed.
A player each at Rangers and Celtic are said to be on the agenda for West Ham United.
The Hammers have been relegated to the English Championship and face a summer rebuild. They have brought in ex-Ibrox transfer guru Nils Koppen as director of player recruitment to steer transfer business with his Premiership knowledge set to be used accordingly.
Celtic’s Reo Hatate, according to the I Paper, is a player liked by West Ham as they are still looking for someone in the mould of playmaker Lucas Paqueta who shone while in London. Rangers defender John Souttar is another mooted as an option Koppen could suggest but he is in-demand with Sheffield United and Leicester City amongst those already linked with the star who’s brother, Harry, is also rumoured to be a West Ham target.
What Rangers and Celtic players could West Ham United sign?
It’s claimed: “The Hammers have struggled to find an attacking creator since Lucas Paqueta left in January. Celtic’s Reo Hatate has made his wish to leave the Scottish champions clear – and the 28-year-old’s precise passing sensibilities and versatility across midfield is an attractive package. Koppen will have close up knowledge of the Japanese player’s qualities across Glasgow from his spell as Rangers sporting director.
“Koppen’s time at Ibrox may also yield a strong centre -half in the shape of John Souttar. The Scotland international is a siege defender with deep European experience too. It would come as no surprise if Koppen recommends the Gers centre-half to Nuno. Souttar currently interests Leicester City, but a fresh start at a higher level would have greater appeal. Ironically, Souttar’s brother, Harry, has been linked with a move to the Hammers from Leicester, his stock rising since featuring at the World Cup for Australia.”
Why has Nils Koppen joined West Ham United?
Koppen said of his move to West Ham: : “I am really pleased to have this fantastic opportunity and very much looking forward to joining such a big club and being a part of something new. I’m also looking forward to working with Nuno - he is a very experienced and highly-respected head coach. The first focus will obviously be the transfer window and identifying the correct players to move us forward next season.
“We also want to keep the core squad intact. They had a very good run at the end of the Premier League season, so if we can keep that together and not make too many changes, we can start off with a good base. Nuno has also emphasised that we all must have our focus together in the same direction. For any new players coming in, they have to be fully on board for what we want to achieve and feel what the expectations are for a big club. It is a huge honour to represent West Ham United.”