Everton manager David Moyes could look to shop at former club West Ham this summer.
West Ham could be bracing for a summer raid from former manager David Moyes as the veteran looks to shape his Everton side into his own when the transfer window opens again.
The 61-year-old was appointed at Goodison Park in mid January, leaving him little time to influence the winter transfer window. Moyes has steadied the ship on Merseyside and is likely to be backed this summer for investment as the club moves into its new stadium.
Claret & Hugh are reporting that Moyes has made West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek a ‘priority transfer target’ for the upcoming window. The Toffees manager signed Soucek for the Hammers in 2020 for £15 million following his loan spell and the midfielder has gone on to prove a shrewd acquisition at the London Stadium.
David Moyes eyes Tomas Soucek reunion
Soucek has gone on to play 235 times for the club with 38 goals to his name. The player was awarded a new contract last summer, committing his future to the club until June 2027, which would suggest that any interest from Moyes would require a hefty bid.
Everton could see Idrissa Gana Gueye leave as a free agent this summer and Soucek could be viewed as a risk-free replacement given his top flight experience and relationship with Moyes.
Graham Potter will be reluctant to sanction any exit for Soucek, who has regularly captained the side since his arrival. The player has also scored twice under Potter, in wins over Fulham and Leicester City.
Potter has even admitted that he tried to sign Soucek when at Brighton. Speaking in January, he said: “He gives his best every single day, and gives his best in the games. He’s a dream in that regard.
“We actually tried to sign him at Brighton, so I know him well. I think he’s been great. The five years he’s been here have been a real success for him personally. He can help you in both boxes.
“His quality is incredible at that. He covers the ground, plays the role the team needs, has played as the defensive one, has played as the attacking one. He’s adaptable in that midfield position. He’s been fantastic to work with.”
The midfielder is known to be a fan of working under Moyes too. After the manager left West Ham last year, Soucek wrote on social media: “Thanks for everything boss. 4 and a half years together in this great club. You brought me to this club and we made a lot of success. I will never forget these 4.5 years and I will have the best memories.”
West Ham defender also linked with Everton
The report adds that Moyes could also swoop for West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal, another of his stalwarts when at the London Stadium. The defender is out of contract at the end of the season and could help fill in for the injury-prone Seamus Coleman as a short term solution.
The arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka has cut Coufal’s playing time with the once regular starter now often finding himself on the bench. It remains to be seen whether West Ham offer the full-back a new deal – or if he chooses to accept it, with suitors interested in his services.West Ham brace for Everton ‘raid’ as David Moyes eyes ‘incredible’ midfielder reunion
