Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks is set to jet into London from Las Vegas for talks with West Ham, according to Claret and Hugh.
The Hammers blog claim the Premier League club are confident of winning the race for Fredericks’ signature ahead of Southampton and Crystal Palace and that he will become new manager Manuel Pellegrini’s first signing.
Claret and Hugh report Fredericks, 25, is currently in the United States with the Fulham squad celebrating their promotion triumph but there is “big confidence” at West Ham he will make the switch across the capital.
OPINION
With his searing pace, mobility and crossing ability, Fredericks is effectively two players in one on the right flank. He can defend in orthodox right-back fashion and also provide a major attacking threat in the manner of the best players in his position. The Tottenham academy product’s playing style is not too unlike two players who honed their games under Mauricio Pochettino, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, and will both represent England at the World Cup this summer. Like the two internationals, Fredericks is at his most effective flying forward up the flank, and his nine assists in 47 matches in the recently-completed Championship season were integral to the team’s promotion. He is durable, too, which will be a major asset at West Ham, who have suffered their fair share of injuries to key players in recent seasons. Snapping up a proven performer entering his peak years on a free transfer is a smart piece of business for the club.
