West Ham are expected to make a move for a new goalkeeper “this week”, according to insider source ExWHUEmployee.

Speaking on The West Ham Way Podcast (quotes via their website), Ex confirmed that Parma’s Zion Suzuki is the no.1 target, but there are also two other options under consideration:

“I can report that the main priority for the club this week is securing a new goalkeeper. I put this to a top source who said ‘I am driving the recruitment team mad – this is now a top priority’.”

“I expect moves to happen this week, with it still my understanding that the main choice is Zion Suzuki of Parma – however, it’s not clear if he wants to depart Italy yet in his career.”

“Mads Hermansen is another the club are very, very keen on, with the player having worked with new goalkeeper coach Casper Ankergren previously at Brondby. As I reported exclusively again also, we hold a serious interest too in Michael Cooper at Sheffield United.”

West Ham will have to pay up for either Suzuki or Hermansen

When the news first emerged about the Hammers’ interest in Suzuki earlier this month, Ex mentioned that it would be a “difficult deal” to negotiate. The main reason for that is the price tag. It is thought that Parma would want between £30m and £40m.

If the Irons pursue one of their fallback options instead, they would likely have to pay the same amount. Ben Jacobs says Leicester’s valuation of Hermansen is £35m.

Cooper is the most realistic target

Everything points towards Sheffield United’s no.1 being the likeliest option, not only because he would be the cheapest, but due to the identity of his agent.

Will Salthouse, who has close connections with David Sullivan, represents Cooper, so it is definitely a deal that fans should keep a close eye on.

In other news, West Ham have been linked with a move for an Arsenal midfielder