Coral’s Rumour Reel: Hammers hold hope of Dragovic deal
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After the appointment of Slaven Bilic at Upton Park, West Ham United have already snapped up young talented stars for next season and are hoping to land another quickly.
The Hammers have been told they must fork over up to £20m for Dynamo Kiev’s 24-year-old defender Aleksandar Dragovic, though, a fee which could scupper any possible deal. Dragovic is a talented Austria international centre back that could bolster West Ham’s squad hugely for next term, and are 7/4 with Coral for a top 10 finish.
Bilic’s East London outfit are also aiming to tie up a second successive loan deal for Arsenal full back Carl Jenkinson and are set to hand Wimbledon striker Daniel Agyei a trial with the club this week. While former loan star Alex Song is potentially set arrive on a permanent basis as well in an exciting summer window.
Staying in the capital, and Tottenham are in talks over the possible signing of Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld. The Belgium international enjoyed a successful season-long loan spell with Southampton last term under Ronald Koeman at St Mary’s Stadium.
Champions Chelsea are hoping to fill the void left by departed goalkeeper Petr Cech by capturing Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic, with an £8m move on the cards this summer.
Meanwhile, on the red half of Merseyside, Liverpool are reportedly close to agreeing their seventh signing of the summer already, with Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke set to be secured. The Belgium frontman is on the verge of arriving at Anfield, continuing the club’s summer spending spree.
Although, Tim Sherwood is aiming for reinforcements at Villa Park and is pursuing Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye, but such a move could prompt Fabian Delph to depart the West Midlands.
Recently released Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby is in talks with MLS franchise FC Dallas after his departure from the Emirates, after such a troublesome injury-plagued career in London.
Sunderland are hoping to capture Chelsea’s out-of-favour Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel, who was on loan at AC Milan last season. Dick Advocaat is keen to avoid another relegation battle next term and the former Vitesse midfield maestro could be a superb signing who could help achieve that feat.
Elsewhere, Stoke City are closing in on the deal of the summer, with the Potters set to secure the services of Inter Milan attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, having agreed a £12m fee with Serie A side. Mark Hughes’ men are 11/1 for a top six finish in the Premier League next season.
