Reports on the rumour mill tonight are suggesting that new Hammers boss Alan Pardew is set to sign Crystal Palace defender Hayden Mullins.
Pardew - who, when appointed promised to bring in at least three new faces in order to strengthen his depleted squad - is rumoured to have made the 24-year-old crowd-favourite his first acquisition.Reading-born Mullins has been linked with moves to both Birmingham and Portsmouth so far this season, although it is rumoured that the Hammers have stepped in ahead of the Premiership clubs to snatch the highly rated defender, who can also play in the centre of midfield.
Mullins - described by one Palace supporter tonight as 'a player of undoubted quality when he plays up to his potential ability' - is out of contract with Palace in the summer, and is thought unwilling to extend that.
All of which would be good news for the Hammers in any potential bid, as with the player set to walk on a free transfer in a matter of months he is likely to be available for far less than his full value - as was the case with David Connolly, who the Hammers 'stole' from Wimbledon for just £285,000.
Rumours of Mullins' possible departure from Selhurst Park gathered pace this evening after he was left out of tonight's clash with Ipswich, despite being fully fit.
And the speculation was fuelled when Palace boss Steve Kember refused to answer questions about Mullins' absence, telling supporters instead to 'watch this space'.
We'll have more news for you on this as (or if) it happens ...
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