West Ham United are unsure whether to follow up their summer interest in Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards, according to TEAMtalk.
The Europa Conference League winners were keen on the England under-20 international during the summer transfer window, with reports at the time stating that the Hammers approached the League One outfit over a potential transfer. Scottish giants Rangers were also interested, and it was claimed that Posh wanted somewhere in the region of £10-15 million. However, this was disputed by chairman Darragh MacAnthony.
Speaking last month on the Hard Truth podcast, he said those reports were wide of the mark, although he admitted that Edwards is likely to be sold in January;
“I’m not asking for £6 million, £8 million, (or) £10 million (for Ronnie Edwards).
“I’m being realistic, as we are a League One club. If we were in the Championship, I’d ask for a bit more.
“I just want a fair fee with some decent add-ons, and we will get it in January.”
Several Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation, including Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, but TEAMtalk report that West Ham are in two minds as to whether to go back in for the centre-back. Instead, the London-based club are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, although that deal would be difficult to complete.
Continuing, it’s said that their recruitment staff retain in an interest in the former Barnet youngster, although there are concerns as to whether he would fit West Ham’s long-term model.
Edwards scored his first goal for the club in the recent 1-1 draw with Carlisle United in what was his 101st appearance for the club. Peterborough will be hoping to make the most out of his remaining time at the Weston Homes Stadium and continue their surge up the table. Last weekend’s 2-0 win over Lincoln City saw them move up to fifth, although tomorrow’s fixture against Wigan Athletic has been postponed due to international call-ups.
The Cambridgeshire club’s next outing comes next Saturday when they host Wycombe Wanderers.
Writer’s View
Whilst Ronnie Edwards is still on West Ham’s shortlist, it looks as if they are now exploring more-readied options of players they can thrust straight into the first team. They will be targeting a top six finish in the Premier League this season, as well as going deep in the Europa League following last season’s Conference League triumph.
Peterborough will still be resigned to losing their young star, but they know that they will be able to generate significant funds for a club in League One. If a deal can be done in early January, it will still leave Posh plenty of time to find ample replacements, plus strengthen other areas.