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West Ham have reportedly turned their attention towards signing Newcastle star Kieran Trippier after finding it difficult to get a transfer for Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka over the line.
United have been locked in talks with West Ham to try and strike an agreement for a switch to the London Stadium for Wan-Bissaka.
Erik ten Hag’s side are eager to upgrade in the right-back position and have identified Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich as their top target to come in and provide competition for Diogo Dalot. However, Mazraoui’s arrival at Old Trafford is almost entirely contingent on Wan-Bissaka joining the Hammers.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that West Ham have demonstrated a willingness to meet United’s £18million asking price for Wan-Bissaka but they cannot afford his high wage demands.
It was also stated that Wan-Bissaka, who has no huge desire to part ways with the Red Devils, wants a multi-million-pound pay-off.
The 26-year-old’s representatives are understood to be pushing United to give the player a sum of the £18m fee to ensure his move to West Ham goes through successfully.
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has now given an update and indicated that West Ham are considering a swoop for Trippier as their pursuit of Wan-Bissaka stalls.
According to McGrath, “Kieran Trippier is on West Ham’s radar as they step up attempts to land a right-back ahead of the Premier League season starting next week.”
“West Ham have been busy completing moves for Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez and Luis Guilherme – but adding a full-back remains a position to fill for new manager Julen Lopetegui.”
“Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters have been looked at but it has not been possible to thrash out a deal for either of them, although both are still highly regarded.”
While it appears that the Irons have not completely abandoned their pursuit of Wan-Bissaka, the fact that they are now looking elsewhere could leave United’s plans to facilitate the Englishman’s exit and sign Mazraoui in limbo.
This development also places the 20-time English champions at serious risk of losing Wan-Bissaka for nothing next summer as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract.
The defender has made 190 appearances for United since making the jump from Crystal Palace five years ago.
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