Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur rival West Ham United to sign Fulham winger Ollie O’Neill
According to journalist Peter Rutzler of The Athletic (Subscription Required), Tottenham Hotspur are battling it out with West Ham United to sign Fulham winger Ollie O’Neill ahead of the summer transfer window. He is another one of those young talents who is rising from their reputed academy set-up, and his signature has already attracted attention from the Premier League.
O’Neill has a contract with the Championship side which will expire at the end of this season. They are desperate to reach an agreement over a new deal and keep hold of him moving forward. However, their back is against the wall right now because of the retention deadline, which is on May 21.
The 19-year-old has not agreed to renew his contract just yet, which has prompted clubs like Tottenham and West Ham to target him this summer. Several other unknown clubs have also enquired about a potential loan move for the attacker if an extension is agreed upon between both parties.
Who is Ollie O’Neill?
The Irishman has mostly been utilised as a winger this season, scoring six goals and assisting three times from 23 Premier League 2 appearances. He has also been in and around the first team during this period and was even on the bench for his side’s Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United back in September.
O’Neill, however, is primarily a midfielder in nature who is capable of playing anywhere in the centre of the pitch. His versatility is one of his best qualities that makes him stand out from the rest at Motspur Park HQ.
The Cottagers ace has shown great leadership abilities at a very young age captaining the youth side during his developmental phase. However, it is his renowned crossing skills that eventually prompted his club to try him as a winger on the left-hand side of the attack.
O’Neill even won the Scholar of the Year Award last year, which shows the immense potential he possesses. Since he is in line to become a free agent soon, we must do our best to get our hands on a talented prospect like him ahead of the Hammers.
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Marco Silva’s side are famed for developing some of the most highly-rated individuals, with Fabio Carvalho being the latest among them. O’Neill has shown signs of being in the same bracket, which is why top clubs from the PL are vying to sign him this summer.
As such, we must not allow the PL bound Fulham to agree to terms with O’Neill regarding a renewal. At the same time, we must be on our toes since the clubs who are interested in a loan move could register their interest in the attacker, especially when he is available for free after this term.
