21-year-old winger Edvin Austbo of Norwegian side Viking has commented on rumours surrounding a potential transfer to London club West Ham United.
Previously, the Norwegian club rejected a £9.1 million offer from the Hammers, deeming the sum insufficient. As it stands, Nuno Espirito Santo's team has yet to table an improved bid, but the player himself has made it clear that he is open to a change of scenery.
In an interview with Stavanger Aftenblad, Austbo said:
I'm aware of almost everything. It's hard to detach myself from it. If Viking and the interested club come to an agreement, I will have to make a decision. Until that happens, it remains just talk.
I'm in ongoing dialogue with the hierarchy. It’s necessary when such major offers come in. But I will never leave Viking in tears or through bluster. However, if an opportunity arises and the deal is fair, I would like to take it.
I don’t know exactly how big their offer was or what Viking are asking for, but West Ham is a great club, and I'm certainly interested.
Austbo’s contract with the Norwegian side runs until December 2028. In 75 appearances for his boyhood club, he has netted 17 goals and provided 13 assists. According to the player, he has already informed the hierarchy of his desire to test himself at a higher level:
I think I've been patient for a long time. I've made it clear that I want to move on if a suitably good opportunity arises. I'm not in a hurry, but I don't intend to wait around for three years either.
Clearly, I don’t want to go somewhere where I'll just be one of the crowd and won’t get game time. At the same time, I have such a strong belief in myself that no matter which big club I join and what plans they have for me, I’ll be able to break into the squad and make a positive impact.
