West Ham’s board have revealed the truth about their interest in Jack Grealish – while also sending a classy message to former boss David Moyes following Everton’s latest signing.
- Hammers News exclusive
West Ham United have officially missed out to Everton for the signing of Jack Grealish from Man City.
Or have they?
It was widely reported that the Hammers and Toffees were leading the race to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City on loan this summer.
Serie A champions Napoli were said to be interested in Man City’s £100m outcast after Pep Guardiola told him he could leave the Etihad.
But Grealish’s camp made it clear he wanted to stay in the Premier League, with West Ham and Everton the two clubs who have been vying for his signature.
Everton “beat” West Ham to Grealish capture
Both Graham Potter and David Moyes have been looking for a new playmaker in midfield with West Ham and Everton also linked with Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.
Grealish has lost his way at Man City, falling out of favour with Guardiola, who has been accused of turning the exciting maverick into a robot by some fans.
The former Villa star is said to be desperate to go to a club where he will be a guaranteed starter as he strives to win back his England place for the World Cup at the end of the season.
It has been previously reported that Potter is a fan of Grealish and that the player was open to a move to east London when West Ham were being linked.
Potter looked to be in the box seat when, according to a journalist, a stunning Grealish deal was put to West Ham by Man City last week, potentially involving Lucas Paqueta going the other way.
But Everton looked the most likely to sign the 29-year-old when West Ham appeared to switch their full focus to Ramsey and Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes.
And so it proved as news emerged yesterday that Everton had “beaten” the Hammers to the signing of Grealish.
The well-liked character has made more headlines with his partying antics off the pitch than on it in recent seasons.
West Ham board share truth on Grealish
Hugely popular with England and football fans in general and a superb talent when at his best, Grealish looks an exciting capture for Moyes and the Toffees.
Everton are said to be paying £250k of his £300k per week wages and a loan fee, with the midfielder set to be unveiled soon pending a successful medical.
But how close did the Hammers come and how hard did they push to beat their old manager to the Man City enigma?
Now the West Ham board have shared the truth on Grealish and sent a classy message to Moyes over the Everton deal.
Hammers News has discussed the Grealish situation with the top spokesman for West Ham’s board.
It was put to the club’s key senior board spokesman whether Everton had in fact beaten West Ham to Grealish.
The Hammers hierarchy were asked if the club were ever actually seriously in for him.
The brutally honest response shows West Ham did have some interest and considered the potential signing.
But the Hammers had serious reservations about the player.
However, in a classy message to their old boss, the spokesman for the club’s board states that if there is one manager who can get Grealish back to his best, it is David Moyes.
West Ham’s classy message to Moyes over Everton’s Grealish deal
“We see Grealish as an individual who has had his troubles and doesn’t track back enough for our system and the way the manager wants to play,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s board exclusively told Hammers News.
“But if David Moyes can get him back to what he once was then it is a great signing for Everton.”
So there you have it Hammers fans, West Ham never truly explored a deal for Grealish beyond fleeting initial interest.
The deal could have a positive knock-on effect for the Hammers.
Because it may end Everton’s interest in Southampton star Tyler Dibling.
If that is the case and he remains at Saints, they may be more open to letting another star move to east London, with the Hammers making their first bid for Southampton’s Fernandes overnight.
