West Ham have offered Championship outfit Middlesbrough first refusal to buy Jordan Hugill and have also offered Fiorentina first refusal when it comes to purchasing Edimilson Fernandes, according to Claret & Hugh.
The trusted Hammers-themed website claims that as the London club aren’t in a rush to rake in funds from player sales in January, so Fernandes and Hugill are the only players facing a permanent exit as it stands.
Claret & Hugh report that the Hammers are aiming to be at a position where they have two strong alternatives for each position which means the likes of Michail Antonio and Pedro Obiang won’t be allowed to leave.
OPINION
Fernandes joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan, as confirmed by the Hammers’ website, in August and has made a solid start to life in Serie A by featuring four times for the Italian giants. It’s a shame if the 22-year-old does end up leaving the Hammers on a permanent basis as he does look like having a lot of potential. Fernandes’ big issue while at the London Stadium was the fact he couldn’t seem to stay fit as he was constantly sidelined with one niggle or another, however if able to string several games together while on loan then he may look good enough to feature for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. However it seems that the scenario is unlikely to happen as if he does look worthwhile Fiorentina will snap him up. As for Hugill, the forward is still settling into life at Middlesbrough and only managed to complete his first 90 minutes for the Championship side on Wednesday.
