"Increasingly likely...": Sheth reveals WHU transfer update, supporters will be gutted - opinion

Dharmesh Sheth has dropped an update on the future of reported West Ham United transfer target Piotr Zielinski.

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports journalist revealed that, despite earlier reports suggesting that Rob Newman had come to an agreement with SSC Napoli regarding a £30m deal for the 28-year-old, the Hammers are now unlikely to pursue a move for the Poland international this summer.

The journalist went on to state that this is due to a significant gap between the Irons’ and the Serie A side’s respective valuations of the player, in addition to the fact that Luciano Spalletti’s outfit will be playing Champions League football next season – something Zielinski does not want to give up.

Finally, Sheth claimed that, as a result of the club’s failed negotiations for the attacking midfielder, Newman will now turn his attention to other targets over the remainder of the summer transfer window.

In his tweet, the Sky Sports journalist said: “West Ham United unlikely to pursue deal for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski. Initial talks highlighted gap in valuations. Increasingly likely he stays at Napoli – guaranteed Champions League football next season. West Ham are focusing on other targets.”

Considering just how exciting an addition Zielinski would have undoubtedly made to David Moyes’ options in the middle of the park next season, Sheth’s claim that West Ham are now unlikely to pursue a deal for the 28-year-old is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful gutted.

Indeed, over his 35 Serie A appearances last season, the £36m-rated talent was in sensational form for Gli Azzurri, scoring six goals, registering five assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of