West Ham line up Sheffield United and Cardiff City double swoop | OneFootball

West Ham are eyeing two Championship stars following their relegation from the Premier League

West Ham face a busy summer of transfer activity following their relegation from the Premier League.

Nuno Espírito Santo will be aiming to build a team capable of earning promotion from the Championship at the first attempt.

A number of player exits could be on the cards at London Stadium, but that will only necessitate signings to replace them.

The Hammers haven’t competed in the second division since 2012, when they won the play-offs under Sam Allardyce.

The club earned promotion at the first attempt after being relegated in 2011, and they will now be aiming to do the same in 2026/27.

The Portuguese coach has previously guided Wolves to the Premier League in 2018, but hasn’t worked at this level in the years since.

West Ham eye Championship duo

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It has been reported by The Athletic that West Ham are prioritising a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sydie Peck this summer.

It’s believed that the Hammers have been monitoring the 21-year-old since January, and are keen on adding him to their first team squad.

Peck has been a key figure at Bramall Lane under Chris Wilder, and has a contract with the Yorkshire outfit until June 2028.

It remains to be seen what kind of figure it would take to convince Sheffield United to cash in during this transfer window.

Peck made 40 appearances in the Championship last season, and contributed five goals and four assists as Wilder’s side finished 13th in the table, 13 points adrift of the play-offs.

It’s understood that West Ham are also interested in Cardiff City’s Dylan Lawlor following their relegation from the Premier League.

The 20-year-old defender made 32 appearances in League One this season to help Brian Barry-Murphy’s side earn automatic promotion to the Championship.

The centre-back also has a deal with the Bluebirds until June 2028, so this could be an ideal time for both clubs to cash in on West Ham’s interest.

The Irons will be keen to maintain a high quality within their squad even with speculation mounting on the futures of Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, Tomas Soucek and others.

Peck and Lawlor both came through the academy system at their respective clubs, which could make doing a deal trickier.

The transfer window doesn’t officially open until 15 June, with the market set to shut on 1 September.

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West Ham would do well to add Sydie Peck and Dylan Lawlor

West Ham’s interest in Peck shouldn’t come as a surprise following their relegation, as they will need to refresh their squad with younger, hungry talent like the Sheffield United star to get back to their previous level.

The midfielder has done well for the Blades, and this will be a big test of the club’s resolve if the Hammers make a substantial offer.

Selling to a Championship rival would be a big blow for Wilder, but the London outfit could have the funds to blow them away with an offer they can’t refuse.

Meanwhile, Lawlor is another young star with a lot of potential, and these are the kinds of players that West Ham should be targeting this summer to rebuild their squad.