Striker available in the summer window – and younger than Jamie Vardy!
One striker admired by Graham Potter may be available for sale in the summer window with just one year remaining on his current deal. Danny Welbeck, who first signed for Brighton in October 2020, has battled injuries but still managed to make 135 appearances and score 32 goals for the club.
This season the veteran forward has contributed 9 league goals and 4 assists in 26 appearances.
Brighton are keen to raise transfer funds having spent €279.95m in the last two transfer windows. Welbeck is among the club’s top earners, with a weekly wage of £60k.
Speaking to BBC sounds, Potter praised the striker “He’s a top player, top person. If you get Danny Welbeck fit and enjoying his football, the quality is still there. It’s about understanding what older players can do. For the environment, for the collective and help the younger players improve, and someone like Danny is a role model”
West Ham have already seen approaches for Jonathan David and Liam Delap turned down. With Danny Ings expected to leave, Evan Ferguson returning to Brighton, and doubts over Michail Antonio’s fitness, Niclas Fullkrug will be their only option up front. However, Callum Marshall is set to join the first team squad after impressing on loan at Huddersfield.
West Ham have a history of bringing in experienced strikers in their thirties, with successful examples including Ian Wright (34) and Teddy Sheringham (38).
West Ham nearly signed Welbeck in 2020 when he was available on a free transfer. David Moyes told the Daily Mail “Danny was someone who I did consider. I was probably just a little concerned about his injuries in the past more than anything else. He is a great boy and so enthusiastic. He is a good footballer who has worked hard on his game.”
Welbeck would likely be viewed as a squad player, and won’t command a high transfer fee. Still, with the forward turning 35 in November, many West Ham fans will be hoping that the club targets younger alternatives.
‘Our plans’ – Fabian Hurzeler breaks silence on Tariq Lamptey contract and injury update
Brighton and Hove Albion team and transfer news ahead of West Ham United clash
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is set for talks with fit-again full back Tariq Lamptey.
The former Chelsea man has missed the last seven matches with a foot injury but is available to face Graham Potter’s West Ham at the Amex Stadium this Saturday.
Lamptey, 24, is soon to be out of contract at Brighton and is widely-tipped to leave the club in the summer.
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