West Ham United are reportedly facing even more competition for one of their top transfer targets ahead of the summer transfer window...
What's the word?
Back in April, the ever-reliable Irons insider ExWHUemployee told fans that David Moyes' first-choice striker target was Tammy Abraham, who is thought to be free to leave Chelsea for around £40m.
And now the Hammers are facing a likely transfer tussle over his signature, especially with the Scot supposedly unwilling to pay such a high fee for a homegrown and proven Premier League talent.
According to the Sunday World, top-flight rivals Crystal Palace are the latest side to be linked to the 23-year-old forward and despite not having a manager in the dugout, there is 'strong interest' from their side.
Leicester City, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been linked to Abraham in recent months.
Big setback
This will come as devastating news to Moyes, especially if the Chelsea outcast is indeed his no.1 candidate.
It's no secret that the East London outfit are desperate for additions to their frontline. After the departure of club-record flop Sebastian Haller in January, the 58-year-old was left with only one striker, an injury-prone Michail Antonio.
He has not started in more than 24 games in any Premier League season, leaving Moyes in a sticky spot whenever he's injured. At times, the likes of Manchester United loan sensation Jesse Lingard and Jarrod Bowen had to be deployed as makeshift centre-forwards.
[snack-amp-story url= "https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-much-more" title= "Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!"]
The need for a new talisman has since ramped up, with the Irons qualifying to compete in the Europa League next season. Even the addition of one man may not be enough to keep them competitive in what could be a 50-plus game season.
Abraham is certainly an interesting candidate, given he finished the season amongst Chelsea's top goalscorers (six) despite rarely featuring under Thomas Tuchel.
In all competitions this season, the six-time England international - who is not on the plane to the Euros - has found the next 12 times, taking his total tally for the Blues to 30 in 82 appearances, via Transfermarkt.
His attitude on the training ground earned praise from club legend John Terry, who coached him during a loan spell at Villa in the Championship. He told the club's official website that the striker was "incredible" and also added:
"His passion is infectious. We all want results and performances, but supporters want you to work your socks off for the football club. Tammy has that and that's what you want in the whole group. It breeds a winning mentality and makes you relentless."
The fact that there is yet another side in the running for him will come as a massive blow to the Irons, especially it could leave Moyes rueing his stubbornness over the fee.
They simply cannot afford to risk going into next season with just Antonio. That would be disastrous.
AND in other news, Moyes must brutally axe £75k-p/w West Ham flop this summer, he's been "too anonymous"...