West Ham United are firmly in the race to sign Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell this summer, according to Sports Boom.
The Hammers are having a poor season in the Premier League so far and currently sit three points adrift of safety in the relegation zone with 13 games remaining, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side having won three of their last five games in a resurgence of form.
But after a busy winter transfer window which saw several player arrive and depart, the club are planning ahead for the summer as if they will still be in the top flight, and Cresswell is among their targets to improve the squad.
West Ham Want Charlie Cresswell
Cresswell has emerged as a top young defender in Ligue 1 after joining from Leeds United two summers ago, and the 22-year-old is now being looked at by a number of clubs in the Premier League.
West Ham were keen on a deal in the most recent winter window, tabling a €25m (£21.7m) bid alongside Brighton for his signature, but Toulouse were adamant they didn’t want to sell and rejected the offers. They also turned down multiple offers from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
But the Irons are not giving up on their interest in the 6ft 3 England youth international, and they intend to return to the negotiating table in the summer if they are able to avoid relegation.
It’s understood that Toulouse will be holding out for at least €30m (£26m) in the summer to allow Cresswell to leave, but West Ham are set to face competition from several clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and clubs in Europe.
Toulouse don’t want to lose the player but they are aware of the level of interest in him, and it’s understood that they will also take the will of the player into account.
Cresswell Perfect West Ham Defender
The Hammers were able to strengthen their squad in the winter, despite losing Lucas Paqueta, but one key signing in defence was Axel Disasi on loan.
The chances of keeping the Frenchman beyond this season permanently seem slim considering the level he has played at in the past regularly, and it could be that Cresswell is the man being eyed for that role in the long-term.
Cresswell’s aerial ability and quality on the ball make him a perfect modern centre-back, but he’s also a throwback in the sense that he loves to defend, and that is perfect for a club like West Ham. Avoiding relegation is the priority, but should they achieve that, a deal for Cresswell should be right at the top of their list for the summer.
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