Report: West Ham have just opened talks to sign £30m player Micah Richards called a unique talent

West Ham have now started negotiations to sign one of the best talents in the Championship.

The Hammers have historically enjoyed success when dipping into England’s second tier for reinforcements, notably signing Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Cresswell from Championship clubs.

Now, Tim Steidten is looking to bring another gem from that division to West Ham…

West Ham make contact to sign Jaden Philogene

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that West Ham are in talks to sign Hull No.23 Jaden Philogene.

The 22-year-old has risen to become one of the most exciting talents in England since leaving Aston Villa back in September 2023, notably scoring a potential Puskas winner back in February as he twisted Rotherham defenders inside out, before somehow curling a rabona into the top corner.

Such was the freakish nature of Philogene’s goal, it led Micah Richards to describe the effort as uniquely “ridiculous” while adding that not many players could do such a thing.

Romano believes West Ham have only initiated talks with the England U21 international’s representatives as things stand, to gauge what it would take to lure him to the London Stadium, and are yet to discuss anything with Hull.

The reliable Italian journalist added that Ipswich are also keen to sign Philogene, although Aston Villa are entitled to match any successful bid as part of a clause included in the deal to sell the winger to Hull.

In 32 Championship appearances last season, the man from Hammersmith scored 12 goals while also providing six assists.

Tim Steidten has already been told a ballpark figure

Acun Ilicali – owner of Hull – has already given interested parties a ballpark figure to consider when it comes to signing Philogene.

The 55-year-old told Turkish news outlet Sabah: “This will be our policy. Just like Real Madrid bought Arda Guler. We can guess how much he will be from now on. We need to catch players like that.

“We got Jaden Philogene for £5m, now it’s £30m, but we have no intention of selling for £30m.”

Of course, Ilicali says he would reject £30m, although we doubt that – few Championship clubs, if any, are in a position to ignore such an offer.

READ MORE: West Ham now think they will beat Newcastle to £40m signing

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as West Ham attempt to sign Philogene.