West Ham's Summerville pursuit of replacement hands Manchester United transfer boost

Manchester United’s pursuit of Crysencio Summerville has received a significant boost after West Ham contacted Sevilla over a deal for replacement winger Ruben Vargas, suggesting the relegated club are actively preparing to sell the 24-year-old Dutchman.

Summerville attracted widespread attention this summer following a strong World Cup for the Netherlands, scoring twice and contributing two assists in four appearances before the Dutch were eliminated in the Round of 32. It built on a productive 2025/26 club season in which he scored seven goals and added five assists in 34 appearances — form that has drawn interest from United, among others.

West Ham’s relegation to the Championship has made Summerville’s departure increasingly likely, with the Hammers acknowledging they may need to cash in. According to reports from Orgullo Biri, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have now made an approach to Sevilla for Vargas, a 27-year-old Swiss international who has scored twice and assisted once in four World Cup appearances. Vargas spent five and a half years at Bundesliga club Augsburg before joining the La Liga side.

The Manchester Evening News reported last week that United hold an interest in Summerville alongside Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye as the club looks to add quality on the left flank. Whether United make a formal move for Summerville may hinge on the future of Marcus Rashford, however.

Rashford, 28, is currently representing England at the World Cup but is expected to return to Carrington for pre-season approximately three weeks after England’s elimination. He will be available for selection under manager Michael Carrick during the club’s six pre-season friendlies ahead of the Premier League season opener on August 22.

Despite an expectation that Rashford would leave Old Trafford this summer — particularly after Barcelona opted against triggering a £26 million permanent option following his loan spell, choosing instead to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69 million — there is now a belief within the club that he could remain beyond the current transfer window. Rashford scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists during his time at the Nou Camp.

United’s decision on Summerville is therefore likely to become clearer once Rashford’s situation is resolved in the coming weeks.