By JAMES SHARPE and TOM COLLOMOSSE, FOOTBALL REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
West Ham remain keen to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa with the midfielder currently keeping his options open over his long-term future.
Though Ramsey is well-regarded by Villa boss Unai Emery, his status as a homegrown player means an eventual transfer fee represents pure profit in the club accounts – crucial in the current era of Premier League spending rules.
Villa have been willing to listen to offers for Ramsey since the transfer window opened and are thought to value him at about £40million.
Though they have yet to make a formal offer, it is thought the Hammers have identified Ramsey as an ideal player to strengthen their midfield yet Mail Sport understands the 24-year-old has so far yet to be convinced by the idea of joining Villa’s Premier League rivals.
Nottingham Forest also showed an interest earlier in the window.
If Ramsey is still at Villa at the start of the season, what follows is likely to make up his mind for him. If he is granted regular playing time, Ramsey is likely to stay and could even sign a contract extension, with his current deal expiring in two years’ time.
West Ham remain keen on Aston Villa, who is valued at £40million, but face a stumbling block
Ramsey is well regarded by Unai Emery but an eventual sale would represent pure profit
Graham Potter sees Ramsey as the perfect player to strengthen his midfield options
Yet if he is left on the margins, the former England Under-21 midfielder may conclude it is time to cut ties with his boyhood club.
West Ham boss Graham Potter is desperate to add quality to his midfield with Ramsey high on the club’s list of targets, though his current price tag of £40m will likely prove a sticking point.
The Hammers also have interest in his former Villa team-mate Douglas Luiz, who is now at Juventus but whose wages are expected to be too high for West Ham, as well as Liverpool playmaker Harvey Elliott.
Ramsey’s agent Will Salthouse has a close relationship with Hammers boss David Sullivan and also represents Callum Wilson, who has just joined on a controversial free transfer.
The emergence of youngster Freddie Potts in pre-season has lightened the requirements a little, though it’s understood West Ham would still like another couple of midfielders before the window closes.
