Former West Ham youngster Jeremy Ngakia looks set to join Watford, after leaving the club on a free transfer in June.
The academy product, 19, turned down a new long-term deal and rejected an extension until the end of the season following the restart. Now he is in talks with the recently-relegated Hornets.
West Ham had a difficult season this year – escaping relegation by just five points – but one of the few highlights was the exciting emergence of Ngakia earlier in the campaign. His departure was met with disappointment and surprise as the full-back was highly thought of by the club.
Although his decision to leave was frustrating, Ngakia leaving meant that the Hammers could give more opportunities to another young full-back in Ben Johnson.
Watford were relegated from the Premier League this season, ending a five-year stay in the top flight. Ngakia’s decision to join the Hornets will offer a much needed sense of optimism though. Being able to attract a highly-rated English youngster will show that relegation is not necessarily the end of the world for the Hornets.
West Ham did manage to stay up at the expense of Watford, and David Moyes is said to be looking for a right-back to replace the departed Ngakia.
The Hammers are said to be eyeing a move for Slavia Prague’s Vladimir Coufal, according to the Guardian, who is a former teammate of the recently signed Tomas Soucek.
Moyes has expressed the need for West Ham to strengthen this summer. The last time Moyes kept the Hammers up he was relieved of his duties in favour of Manuel Pellegrini. That move proved unsuccessful and now the Scot will relish the chance to take the London club into the new season.
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