Wigan Athletic can be ultimate winners from West Ham eyeing Sheffield Wednesday transfer | OneFootball

West Ham United's growing interest in Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper could spark a domino of transfers

West Ham United's growing interest in Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles could spark a domino of transfers - that leaves League One outfit Wigan Athletic as the ultimate winners.

The Hammers appear to be very keen on 20-year-old Northern Ireland international Charles, according to The Star, which could mean their apparent interest in Sheffield United's Michael Cooper has taken a backseat.

Both Everton and West Ham have been credited with interest in Cooper - as per journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon - who only joined the Blades last year for a reported fee of £2m.

West Ham's Pierce Charles pursuit

West Ham manager Graham Potter has made signing a goalkeeper his top priority for the remainder of the transfer window, instead of signing a striker.

Reports suggest the Hammers are preparing to test Wednesday's resolve with an offer for Charles, though the Owls are reluctant to sell their promising young shot-stopper.

However, Wednesday may be forced to consider any reasonable offer that arrives, due to their well-documented financial crisis - with players told that their wages will now be delayed for a third successive month.

Charles, who made his senior debut in January 2024, has also reportedly caught the eye of Russell Martin's Rangers - so you'd perhaps expect a bidding war to commence if a first offer is made by any club wanting him.

Sheffield United's Cooper situation

Perhaps the significance of West Ham's Charles focus becomes clear when considering the alternative scenario involving Michael Cooper.

Cooper has established himself as one of the Championship's most reliable goalkeepers - keeping 21 clean sheets in the league last season for the Blades.

Having been linked to West Ham earlier on in the window, the news regarding Charles would mean Cooper wouldn't be making his way to the Capital this summer.

Wigan's golden opportunity to keep Sam Tickle

The resulting chain reaction involving the possibility of Cooper leaving for the London Stadium could see Sam Tickle join Sheffield United.

Which means if West Ham do end up opting for Charles instead, Wigan's number one would stay put.

As per The Star, 23-year-old Tickle is admired by the Blades, and although he signed a four-year deal with the Latics in 2024 - Sheffield United would definitely have a good amount of money to spend, as they apparently want around £15m for Cooper.

England U21 international Tickle kept 18 clean sheets in 46 league appearances in 24/25, whilst being named League One's Player of the Year the previous season.

Manager Ryan Lowe has made it clear that any interested parties will need to meet Wigan's valuation of Tickle, stating the club won't allow players "to walk away cheaply".

What this means for all parties

For Wigan Athletic, retaining Tickle in the scenario where the transfer domino doesn't fall would mean their biggest asset stays at the club - for at least the foreseeable future.

Tickle's value is only likely to increase with another strong season in League One, particularly given his age and previous experience in England's youth setup - he kept a clean sheet against Luxembourg in March 2024.

With three years remaining on his deal, there's also no immediate pressure to sell, allowing Wigan to set their price and stick to it.

Sheffield Wednesday's financial difficulties make them vulnerable in any negotiations over Pierce Charles, who is now without a manager after Danny Rohl's exit.

This situation also makes Charles an attractive proposition for West Ham compared to pursuing the more expensive alternative in Cooper.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, would obviously benefit from retaining Cooper if the transfer domino doesn't fall their way, but also wouldn't have to then try and get Tickle as his replacement. Both goalkeepers would certainly strengthen their promotion hopes for the upcoming Championship season though.