West Ham United have made a £7 million bid for Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, that is according to a report from Football Insider.
The Hammers are thought to be very keen on signing a goalkeeper in this window and their desire to bring one in may have increased after regular number one Lukasz Fabianski hobbled off with an injury against Sheffield United on Friday (BBC Sport). The Polish international has struggled for much of the season, as he has already missed 11 Premier League matches with a hip problem (Transfermarkt) and may now be out for more.
David Martin replaced Fabianski at Bramall Lane but it was his mistake which ultimately led to Oli McBurnie’s winner in the match (Sky Sports). Meanwhile, their other goalkeeper, Roberto Jimenez, has conceded 16 goals in just seven starts this season (Transfermarkt) so he is unlikely to be favoured by David Moyes.
It was thought that the Irons were close to signing Darren Randolph, but there has been a medical issue which has delayed the deal and Football Insider have revealed that they could well pull the plug. That means that they could target Etheridge instead and after he was dropped by Cardiff for their derby against Swansea on Sunday (Transfermarkt) there could well be something in the link.
The Philippines international impressed for the Bluebirds in the top flight last season and made the second most saves of any goalkeeper in the Premier League with 141 to his name (premierleague.com). Many West Ham fans may have that in their mind, as it seems quite a few of them would love to see the 29-year-old at the London Stadium.
Here is what some had to say on Twitter…
Would be a very good buy. Im sure the 7 million will be spread over 20 years though.
— West Ham Somerset (@WestHam_SW) January 13, 2020
Good keeper & a fair bid. Would be a good signing. Quick move this morning probably means bad Fabianski news.
— Mark Hexton ⚒⚒ (@Hammerhexy) January 13, 2020
Please 🤲
— Fabulous Fabianski (@FabFabianski) January 13, 2020
If Fabianski hadn’t got injured I’d be all for Randolph however we need a keeper who can play now and I’m surprised no one took Etheridge in the summer he was by far their best player when they went down, would be an upgrade on Martin definitely.
— Daniel Bibby (@westhamdan1980) January 13, 2020
I’ll happily take Etheridge
— ZB ✞ (@ItsZS95) January 13, 2020
What’s that? A signing that makes sense ??????
— Steve (@Steve_WHU_) January 13, 2020
West Ham fans, would you be happy to see Neil Etheridge join the club? Let us know in the comments below…
