Alex Crook tips West Ham to make move for Everton forward King
West Ham have retained an interest in signing Everton forward Josh King this summer, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.
The Hammers were keen on bringing the Norway international to the London Stadium in January before he ultimately signed for the Toffees on a short-term deal.
Since moving to Merseyside on transfer deadline day, King has yet to start a game for Everton, having made each of his nine Premier League appearances from the bench.
King’s future as an Everton player has been unclear for some time now, with his lack of game time suggesting that Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t have faith in his ability.
That has led West Ham to reignite their interest, with Crook telling talkSPORT that David Moyes’ side could consider King a cheaper alternative to other targets Danny Ings and Tammy Abraham.
Crook said: “West Ham have been on the hunt for a number nine since they sold Sebastien Haller [to Ajax] in the last transfer window.
“West Ham have got a longstanding interest in Joshua King.
“He hasn’t pulled up any trees at Everton, so you’d imagine he’d be available as a cheaper option to Abraham.”
Not ideal for Everton
Despite having been described as physically, technically and mentally “outstanding” by former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe in the past, Everton have seen very little from Josh King to determine that he’s worth keeping at the club.
Granted, that isn’t completely his fault, with Carlo Ancelotti rarely awarding the Norwegian the opportunity to play, and as such he hasn’t had much of a chance to impress.
That said, Everton would probably prefer it if King doesn’t sign for West Ham this summer. Admittedly there is nothing they can do about it if they don’t get him to sign a new contract as he’ll be able to go wherever he likes, but the Blues would seemingly rather not strength a side who are currently jostling for Europe alongside them.
King has demonstrated time and time again in the Premier League (with Bournemouth) that he has goalscoring ability and pace to burn, and though he hasn’t been able to show that at Goodison Park, there’s no telling how he could perform elsewhere.
In other Everton news, Report: Everton demand club-record fee for ‘Phenomenal’ player this summer.
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