A leading journalist has revealed the real reason Graham Potter is ready to sell West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek but it could end up putting Everton and Leeds United off.
West Ham are gearing up to say goodbye to one of their best player of modern times.
Everton and Leeds United are battling to make Hammers hero Tomas Soucek one of their big summer signings.
David Moyes has been linked with a move for the big Czech warrior ever since he stepped foot back in the door at Everton.
But Leeds have also been plotting their own move for Soucek in the background.
The Leeds interest was entirely dependent on the Elland Road outfit joining West Ham and Everton back in the Premier League.
Potter decides to Soucek amid Everton and Leeds interest
Daniel Farke’s side sealed the deal this week, giving the green light to put the wheels in motion on a bid for one of West Ham’s best value signings ever.
Behind Jarrod Bowen, no player has been more influential for West Ham than Soucek in the last five years.
He arrived in east London from Slavia Prague for £15m as a complete unknown in January 2020.
But his regular goals, attitude, workrate and selfless performances have seen him become a household name in England.
After their own well documented financial struggles over the years, Everton and Leeds are in the position to spend this summer.
Meanwhile, West Ham – who have regressed badly in the last season-and-a-half – insist players need to be sold in order to make signings having reached their PSR limit.
Everton reportedly want as many as three West Ham stars this summer.
But Moyes’ number one target is said to be West Ham fan favourite Soucek – who he names as one of his best ever signings.
Yesterday Give Me Sport and a number of other outlets doubled down on claims Leeds are battling the Toffees to sign the 30-year-old Hammers midfielder.
That came after a top West Ham insider confirmed Graham Potter has told Soucek he will be sold.
Now the real reason Potter wants to sell West Ham star Soucek has been revealed.
And it may put Everton and Leeds off.
Reason Potter wants to sell Soucek may put Everton and Leeds off
Soucek is said to be suffering at West Ham after being consistently dropped from the starting XI for the first time in his Hammers career.
It was revealed recently that West Ham have lost six, drawn one and only won one of the eight games Soucek has not started this season.
With seven goals he is once again the team’s second top goalscorer behind Bowen – and even scored his annual goal against Moyes’ Everton last month.
Potter has been criticised by some West Ham fans since his decision to sell Soucek came to light.
Many feel it is a risky call which could cost Potter his job if Soucek does well elsewhere and West Ham struggle next season.
The Czech Republic captain, who was recently named his country’s player of the year for a fourth time, has told West Ham he wants to stay for the rest of his career.
But Soucek has conceded privately that he will consider a reunion with Moyes at Everton or a move to Leeds if his situation does not change.
Now Times journalist Gary Jacob has revealed the fundamental reason Potter does not see a future for the man fans call ‘Super Tom’.
Jacob has confirmed Soucek is unhappy about not starting three of the past four league matches.
He has also reiterated the decision has been made that Soucek is one of several players West Ham are selling.
And the main reason is because there are increasing doubts about the 30-year-old’s energy levels in midfield.
The Premier League has become ever more competitive in the last three years – as Leeds will quickly find out next season.
West Ham boss has concerns over Soucek’s energy levels
West Ham’s midfield has been highlighted as the main reason for the team’s struggles for the last 18 months, which have seen just 13 wins in 52 Premier League games.
Jacob claims Potter does not feel Soucek has the energy levels required in the middle of the park to play his brand of football going forward.
As a result he is for sale to the highest bidder as Everton and Leeds jostle for position.
West Ham may not get as much as fans think they should, though.
It was claimed this week that Soucek will only fetch around half the expected £30m because he has just two years remaining on his current deal and is over 30.
Having it put out there by Jacob that Potter feels Soucek is not dynamic enough may not help his valuation either.
Leeds will have to pay well if they want to beat Moyes to the friendly giant, though.
Everton are said to have offered Soucek a £30k rise on his current £90k Hammers salary.
