It’s that time of the year again – the transfer window is now open until September 1 and it’s sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. Here are today’s latest developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Hammers appoint new recruitment chief as part of summer shake-up
West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Nils Koppen as the club’s new director of player recruitment.
The Belgian joins the Championship side from FC Copenhagen, where he was technical director, having also held similar roles at Rangers and PSV Eindhoven.
A West Ham statement read: ‘Koppen was identified as the outstanding candidate for the new role, following a thorough and detailed recruitment process that included the board and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
‘Koppen will begin work at West Ham United as part of a new football leadership structure for the men’s team, tasked with identifying and recruiting the players needed to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
‘Key to the role will be leading the Club’s scouting and recruitment operation and supporting the Board with football administration and negotiations with players, other clubs and intermediaries.’
West Ham are looking at strengthening all departments in their squad and are working through a number of targets including Troyes midfielder Martin Adeline, as reported by Daily Mail Sport last month.
Everton wide man Dwight McNeil is another player on their radar this summer.
Championship trio chase Mubama
Manchester City striker Divin Mubama is attracting interest from Middlesbrough, Derby and Preston.
The 21-year-old, who joined City from West Ham for £2million in 2024, had a successful spell on loan at Stoke last season, scoring five goals until his campaign was curtailed by injury in January.
Mubama suffered ankle ligament damage after a hefty challenge from QPR’s Jimmy Dunne and initially feared he had broken his leg.
However, he has recovered well, is fit again and a number of Championship sides are keen to take him, hoping he can have a similar impact on their season.
Divin Mubama impressed on loan at Stoke last season before his season was curtailed due to injury
Mubama has already spoken to Derby but he and City have yet to make a decision.
Middlesbrough and Preston have also made approaches, but others could yet enter the fray for his signature as interest builds.
Hendry’s staying in Saudi
Scotland defender Jack Hendry has confirmed he’s signed a new contract with Saudian Arabian side Al Ettifaq.
The deal for the former Celtic defender is worth around £5million a season.
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