Abdulhafiz TeslimWest Ham United appear to be moving quickly in the final days of the transfer window, with the club reportedly closing in on a deal for a highly-rated young winger.
The Hammers are understood to have reached an agreement to bring the player to London, with a medical now expected to be the next major step before the transfer can be completed.
The player in question is Edvin Austbø, the Norwegian winger who has been attracting attention with his performances for Viking.
Austbø has emerged as one of the more exciting young attacking players in Norway, and West Ham’s decision to push ahead with the deal suggests the club see genuine potential in the 20-year-old.
The timing of the move is particularly interesting. With the summer window approaching its conclusion, West Ham have been looking to add more attacking quality to their squad, and Austbø could provide another option out wide.
His direct style, pace and willingness to take on defenders are among the qualities that have made him stand out, while his age also fits with the club’s desire to add players who can develop and increase in value.
For Nuno Espírito Santo, however, the immediate challenge will be getting the best out of the youngster if the transfer goes through.
West Ham have already seen significant movement in their squad this summer, including the departure of El Hadji Malick Diouf to Brentford. That makes strengthening the attacking areas even more important as the club prepare for the demands of the new campaign.
Austbø would not necessarily arrive with the expectation of immediately becoming the main man, but his arrival could give Nuno another weapon and allow the manager to rotate his attacking options more freely.
The reported medical will now be watched closely by supporters. Assuming there are no late complications, West Ham could soon have another young attacking talent on their books.
And with the transfer window entering its final stages, this may not be the last move the Hammers make.
For now, though, all eyes are on London as West Ham look to get the deal over the line.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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