West Ham United 'eyeing up deal' for Northern Ireland star after impressive Swansea City form
West Ham United have reportedly entered the race to sign Northern Ireland midfielder Ethan Galbraith as they look to secure immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
Former Manchester United youngster Galbraith only joined Swansea City from Leyton Orient last summer in a deal worth around £1.5million, but his fine form in Wales has attracted the attention of several clubs ready to make their move.
The 25-year-old, who featured as a substitute in both of Northern Ireland’s June friendlies as he works his way back to full fitness, is a target for Wrexham – and now West Ham are considering swooping for Galbraith.
Football League World have reported the Hammers are keen on acquiring Galbraith’s services as the London club aims to bounce back from last season’s top-flight relegation and are “eyeing up a deal”.
Galbraith could be viewed as a potential replacement for in-demand Mateus Fernandes as West Ham look to bolster their midfield options.
Glengormley native Galbraith, who can also play at right-back, made 39 Championship appearances for Swansea last term before his season was curtailed due to injury – he missed his club’s final seven matches.
It could be an interesting summer for several of Michael O’Neill’s senior Northern Ireland stars with Terry Devlin, Shea Charles, Pierce Charles – and now Galbraith – all linked with transfers.
Galbraith’s current Swans contract runs until 2028 and head coach Vitor Matos said in April that he was “optimistic” the club could agree new terms with their star player.
"I think they are speaking," he said. "It's a normal situation – you make an offer, they make an offer, then somehow in the middle there will be something.
"He is under contract with the club, the club of course is always trying to have a stronger link with the players who are having a good season. That's what the club is trying [in this case].
"I think we need to be optimistic with everything.
"I think Gally has a lot of things that we all love as a club, and I do as a manager - I like him a lot.
"So why not tie up the players you like for the future of the club? He is one of those. That's what we are trying and negotiations are part of that. You speak with the agent, the agent speaks with the club and then let's see."