West Ham demand £45m for Summerville as Man United emerge as frontrunners in summer race

West Ham are refusing to be pressured into a cut-price sale of Crysencio Summerville this summer, with the relegated club setting a £45m asking price as Manchester United emerge as the frontrunners to sign the Dutch winger.

Summerville raised his profile further at the World Cup, scoring in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan in Dallas, and has since attracted interest from United, Tottenham, PSG, and Liverpool. Despite West Ham’s drop to the Championship — which has triggered wage-reduction clauses in his contract — club insiders insist they will not be rushed into a hasty deal and plan to wait until after the tournament before entering formal negotiations.

New majority shareholder Daniel Kretinsky has reinforced that stance, stating West Ham are under no obligation to sell their most valuable assets. There is an acknowledgement internally, however, that keeping Summerville at the club through the summer will be difficult.

Arsenal had shown interest in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is valued at approximately £80m and has attracted reported attention from Real Madrid, but the Gunners have stepped back in recent days. That leaves United as the leading candidate for Fernandes, provided Real Madrid do not enter the race.

Summerville has been on Tottenham’s radar since January, when the north London club weighed up a move for the former Leeds United winger. Spurs are currently in informal discussions with Manchester City over a deal for Savinho as they seek a new wide option for manager Roberto De Zerbi, which may affect how aggressively they pursue Summerville.

Liverpool previously monitored the 23-year-old in 2024 and are in the market for a left-sided forward, though it remains unclear whether they will formally enter the bidding. PSG, as Champions League holders, are also among those hoping West Ham’s financial situation might force a discount — a hope the club’s hierarchy has firmly dismissed.

United are also considering alternatives including Iliman Ndiaye and Morgan Rogers, according to reports, suggesting their pursuit of Summerville is not exclusive. Captain Jarrod Bowen, meanwhile, remains a possibility to stay at West Ham and play in the Championship next season.