Summerville's No.7 dream blocked at United as £50m West Ham move edges closer

Crysencio Summerville would be denied his preferred squad number if he completes a reported £50 million move from West Ham to Manchester United this summer, with Mason Mount holding the No.7 shirt at Old Trafford.

The Dutch winger has worn No.7 since joining West Ham from Leeds in 2024, inheriting it after James Ward-Prowse departed on loan that same summer. Mount took the number at United in 2023, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s second exit midway through the 2022/23 season, and there is no indication the England midfielder will relinquish it.

West Ham are in no hurry to sell Summerville, who is also attracting interest from Roma, meaning United face competition for a player who impressed in the second half of last season as the Hammers narrowly missed avoiding relegation. He also scored on his World Cup debut against Japan.

Summerville is not the only United target facing a squad number obstacle. Atalanta goalkeeper Ederson, who is set to join, would find his preferred No.13 occupied by Patrick Dorgu. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, another reported target, would be unlikely to take No.8 from Bruno Fernandes.

There are alternative options available for Summerville. The No.24 he is wearing for the Netherlands at the World Cup belongs to Andre Onana, who has been tipped to leave permanently this summer. The No.10 he wore in his final Leeds season is currently held by Matheus Cunha, while the No.38 from his first two years at Elland Road could be available if Jack Fletcher opts for a change.

No.12 is vacant following Tyrell Malacia’s exit, and Casemiro’s former No.18 could open up after the Brazilian’s departure. The No.9 shirt was also unclaimed last season following Rasmus Hojlund’s exit, though whether it remains available by the time a Summerville deal is finalised is unclear.

Summerville is one of several West Ham players attracting Old Trafford interest in the wake of relegation. Midfielder Mateus Fernandes is also in demand, though an £80 million asking price may deter suitors. Reports have also circulated regarding Jarrod Bowen and El-Hadji Malick Diouf as Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad takes shape ahead of a Championship campaign.