West Ham and Middlesbrough interest in player taken seriously in Spain, agents spreading information

Last week it was claimed in Ghana that West Ham and Middlesbrough are among the clubs interested in Thomas Partey.

Coming through the Atletico Madrid ranks, Thomas has struggled for playing time and there have often been doubts about the player’s future.

That’s probably why the idea of West Ham and Middlesbrough interest isn’t being dismissed in Spain, with AS covering it. Thomas leaving Atletico wouldn’t shock many, even though the player’s versatility is useful to Diego Simeone’s squad.

Thomas can play several midfield roles and could probably fill in elsewhere, but he’s still not getting the minutes he’ll have hoped for. Racking up 41 La Liga minutes so far this season isn’t what Thomas would have hoped for.

Atletico may be unwilling to completely cut the umbilical cord with 23 year old Thomas, who has been with the club since 2011. Everyone loves a homegrown player, but perhaps West Ham and Middlesbrough could build a deal similar to what took Gerard Deulofeu to Everton on a permanent basis, giving a right of buyback.

It seems Thomas’ agent is pushing the idea of English interest to the Ghanian media, so at this stage it would be unclear if West Ham and Middlesbrough are really interested, or if they’re just names picked out.