Fulham interest in re-signing Alphonse Areola forces West Ham to target Premier League keeper
West Ham are reportedly looking into the possibility of signing Nick Pope from Burnley after discovering Fulham’s interest in re-signing Alphonse Areola.
The French goalkeeper spent a season on loan at Fulham in 2020-21. He made 37 appearances for the Cottagers, keeping 10 clean sheets.
Areola put in some impressive performances but ultimately couldn’t help Fulham avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The 29-year-old, a three-time international with Les Blues, then returned to Paris Saint-Germain. But his spell in the French capital was short as he soon left for West Ham, once again on loan.
According to transfermarkt, David Moyes’ side paid PSG £1.8million to bring Areola to the London Stadium for the season.
The shot-stopper arrived to challenge Lukasz Fabianski for the number one spot but hasn’t been able to replace his older team-mate.
West Ham player wanted by Fulham
Earlier this month, we exclusively revealed Fulham’s desire to re-sign Areola in the summer transfer window.
They are preparing for life back in the top flight and believe he will be a top addition between the sticks.
This interest has forced West Ham to hunt for potential replacements. And one player they have their eye on is England international Pope.
According to the Daily Mail, the Irons are ‘monitoring’ his situation ahead of a potential bid later this year.
Tottenham have previously been in for the star, but it seems West Ham are the only club to want him right now.
It comes as no surprise after Pope’s brilliant display against West Ham on Sunday. He kept Jarrod Bowen, Issa Diop and Michail Antonio out with high-quality saves in east London.
Those stops allowed Burnley to pick up a 1-1 draw away from home. Their chances of getting out of the relegation zone are slim, although there is still hope.
Of course, relegation for the Clarets would give West Ham a huge boost in their hopes of landing Pope.
He wants high-level football to stay in the mix for an England spot, especially during a World Cup year. And dropping out of the Prem would force Burnley to lower their asking price, too.
Over the weekend, Pope was asked about the surprise sacking of manager Sean Dyche…
READ MORE: Burnley ‘keeper admits ‘no one knew’ Sean Dyche sacking would happen
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