West Ham are close to agreeing a deal to sign Brighton defender Shane Duffy, according to reports in the English media.
Although there is still work to do on the transfer fee and salary, talks are expected to continue next week about the 28-year-old moving to the London Stadium.
The likes of Celtic, West Brom and Burnley are said to be still involved, while the Hammers are also considering other options, but it does appear that Duffy is edging closer to a switch. Supporters on Twitter are not convinced the Republic of Ireland international will be a good purchase:
What an underwhelming signing. Upton Park really died for this “level”
— Jake (@JacobLewisP) August 23, 2020
No offence to Shane Duffy, but this wasn’t what I was expecting when I was told we are going to the next level
— andyc (@CairneyAndy) August 23, 2020
To be honest, for me now it’s not about the “next level” now. It is about loving west ham again, enjoy going to the stadium.
— EnglishandProud (@EnglishandProu) August 23, 2020
Is this the level we’re at now? A bloke who only started 12 games last season…
— Nick Harvey (@nick_harv) August 23, 2020
Always seems to take @WestHam ten times longer than any club to sign a player, no offence to Duffy im sure he will do a job for us but he’s hardly signing of the century and it still takes us forever to get it done!
— West_Ham_Utd (@TJCowboyHammer) August 23, 2020
From what I’ve seen on the ‘other options’ I think Duffy would be a solid choice ⚒
— ℙ??? ??????? ?????? (@paulwishman) August 23, 2020
Not really seeing how getting a back up defender should be a priority.. not better than Diop or Og.. rather we prioritised RB LB and a CM
— Ben Curtin (@Ben_PipGainFx) August 23, 2020
Duffy is hardly a glamourous signing but manager David Moyes is thinking creatively in order to resolve West Ham’s poor defensive record. The Irons conceded 62 goals in the league last season, which was the fifth-worst defence in the entire division. The Irishman would be an experienced head to strengthen the backline.