Aaron Ramsdale on the Move Again? West Ham Line Up Summer Swoop

West Ham are considering a move for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdsale, as he privately begins exploring a route out of Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League.

Graham Potter, the Hammers’ head coach, is a huge admirer of the 26-year-old and tried to sign him during an ill-fated spell in charge of Chelsea two seasons ago.

Now safely ensconced at a new club and with Ramsdale expected to leave St Mary’s after less than 12 months on the south coast, sources in the capital have told SportsBoom that they expect Potter to resurrect his interest in a player who remains one of the country’s most talented shot-stoppers despite a troubled spell of late.

Ramsdale only joined Southampton from Arsenal in August, having lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven to David Raya. 

Desperate to further his England ambitions following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, the former Sheffield United and AFC Bournemouth player is unlikely to relish the prospect of competing at Championship level next term.

That, combined with Southampton’s need to rebuild following a miserable campaign, means they will be tempted to cash in at the earliest opportunity rather than risk allowing a protracted transfer saga to overshadow their summer plans.

ENGLAND AMBITIONS

Ramsdale has already signalled his desire to operate at the highest level by threatening to go on strike during his second spell with the Blades in order to force through a switch to Arsenal. 

Having first turned professional at Bramall Lane, he returned to South Yorkshire to try and help Chris Wilder’s side consolidate their top-flight status. But when Wilder departed and United went down, Ramsdale is known to have told their freshly appointed manager Slavisa Jokanovic that he did not wish to participate in a game against West Bromwich Albion after discovering the Serb was attempting to retain his services.

Ramsdale had rejoined United from AFC Bournemouth, following their slide into the second tier. 

His hardline stance with Jokanovic, who lasted only 22 games in post before being sacked and replaced by Paul Heckingbottom, illustrates Ramsdale’s desire to one day establish himself as England’s first choice number one.