West Ham United want to sign Demarai Gray from Everton as ‘Serious’ Besiktas update emerges

West Ham United want to sign Everton winger Demarai Gray this summer but face “serious” competition for his signature from Besiktas, report Sabah.

Writing in their print edition (28 July, page 19), the Turkish news outlet report that the Jamaica international has emerged as a serious contender to bolster the attack in Istanbul.

But the report also claims that Gray is wanted in the Premier League by the Hammers, Crystal Palace and Fulham as an exit away from Goodison Park looks on the cards.

Demarai Gray from Everton is the name that Besiktas is after, which continues its negotiations for attack reinforcement,” they wrote.

“The Eagles have serious rivals for Gray, who has a contract with Everton for one more season.

“West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Fulham from England are also among the teams after the player.”

Gray is the type of winger who would fit in really well at the London Stadium and under David Moyes, because he’s exciting but also works hard going the other way.

Moyes is keen to sign a winger this summer after missing out on HJUST IN arvey Barnes, and the arrival of Carlos Borges from Manchester City looks close to finally happening.

But Gray is Premier League proven with great experience and at the perfect age to step into a new team and hit the ground running, while Everton’s financial issues mixed with his contract status means it’s unlikely to be an expensive deal to do.

However, Gray wants to play regular first-team football and whether he’d get the nod ahead of Said Benrahma and Maxwel Cornet on the left-wing is unclear, which means we may not be his first-choice destination.

It’s an interesting deal that could happen, but he seems more likely to go elsewhere while we target other players so unless something changes then this seems unlikely.

In other West Ham news, Premier League club want to sign Hammers ace who is out of contract in 2024.

West Ham preparing a second bid for £40million James Ward-Prowse – talkSPORT

West Ham are preparing to make a second offer for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, according to talkSPORT.

The radio station reported via Twitter (28 July) that the Hammers are set to bid again for the 27-year-old after their initial £20million proposal was rejected by the Saints.

Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have placed a £40million pricetag on their captain amid interest from the East London club.

And Saints Sporting Director Jason Wilcox told SunSport (27 July) that the club are not in a rush to sell.

“If we get the right offer, we will consider it. Consider is an important word because we don’t have to sell. We’re a big football club. We’re not going to allow players to leave if we don’t feel it’s a win-win.”

After Wilcox’s comments and the valuation placed on Ward-Prowse by the South Coast club, a clear message has been sent to David Sullivan and the West Ham board, pay up or look elsewhere.

Despite relegation, it is clear that Southampton will not be rolled over and are sticking to their guns in this transfer saga, while other relegated sides Leeds and Leicester have seen themselves cleared out by rival clubs.

Although reports of David Moyes’ side preparing a second offer show they are willing to play the game and are keen on securing the services of Ward-Prowse.

The club are in need of a new midfielder after they sold Declan Rice to Arsenal during this transfer window and have been linked with a number of targets.

But a second offer incoming shows they are serious about Ward-Prowse and it is clear why, with the free-kick specialist having been such a consistent performer for his side throughout his 300-plus games in the Premier League.

In other West Ham news, developments suggest a striker at the London Stadium is going nowhere.