Transfer Update: West Ham are interested in League One high rated player

Charlie Hughes of Wigan Athletic is reportedly attracting interest from West Ham, according to ExWHUEmployee.

Tim Steidten’s appointment as Technical Director has followed a hectic period for the club recently in terms of player recruitment and organizational reorganization, and West Ham are now working to develop not just for the immediate but also for the long term.

In preparation for the January and the summer transfer windows, Steidten has set up his scouting network across Europe, as Ex has previously reported.

With a focus on the longer-term vision to have replacements for some of the more experienced players already in the squad, our recruitment committee is also looking at younger talents to develop further.

Since West Ham has often scouted Charlie Hughes of League One team Wigan Athletic, the club has identified Hughes as a target.

Hughes, a 19-year-old center back who played for Manchester City and Liverpool in his younger years, has made an impression since moving permanently in 2017 and will make his senior squad debut in 2022.

Ex wrote on The West Ham Way Patreon, “My sources tell me we are very keen on the young defender Charlie Hughes of Wigan.”

He is a player that our team has seen and could formally pursue in the near future, possibly in the summer.

But if we were to make a formal bid, it wouldn’t be a cheap signing because he signed a long-term contract with Wigan in June.

“He is seen as a young player we can develop into becoming a longer-term replacement for the likes of Angelo Ogbonna.”

The club hasn’t given up on Ronnie Edwards of Peterborough, about whom our club insider exclusively revealed our interest back in August, Ex also revealed.

Similar to Hughes, Edwards has received intense attention from West Ham and, at the age of 20, is regarded as a long-term investment.

He is highly regarded, therefore there is competition for him, but it is anticipated that the club will continue to pursue the England U20 international.

Ex will update followers on The West Ham Way Patreon as to the status of these situations as they unfold.