West Ham ‘develop’ transfer interest in Cardiff City and Wales star
West Ham have developed a transfer interest in Cardiff City and Wales midfielder Rubin Colwill. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
West Ham United are reportedly considering a swoop for Cardiff City duo Dylan Lawlor and Rubin Colwill this summer, as well as Jordan James.
The Hammers are aiming to build a squad capable of securing an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation and are said to have identified two key members of Cardiff’s League One promotion-winning side as potential targets.
Both Lawlor and Colwill played important roles in the Bluebirds’ successful campaign, and any move for the pair would represent a statement of intent from the London club as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Jordan James is another player understood to be attracting interest from West Ham. The Wales international spent last season on loan at Leicester City from Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais
Rubin Colwill
It is claimed by ExWHUEmployee, who provides exclusive news and insight via The West Ham Way, that West Ham’s interest in Dylan Lawlor has expanded after monitoring the defender, with the club now also taking an interest in the Neath attacker.
Colwill, who served as Cardiff City’s vice-captain last season, committed his future to the club in March by signing a new contract that runs until the summer of 2030.
The midfielder enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, registering nine goals and eight assists in 36 appearances. He finished the season strongly, contributing four goals and assists combined across the final four matches as Cardiff secured promotion.
Colwill is no stranger to Championship football, having made 139 appearances in England’s second tier, contributing seven goals and eight assists.
His most productive campaign at that level came during Cardiff City’s relegation season, when he registered a goal and four assists. After playing an influential role under Brian Barry-Murphy last season, there is hope he can build on that experience and establish himself as a key performer in the Championship.
Dylan Lawlor
It was reported earlier this month by The Athletic that Lawlor is high on West Ham’s transfer shortlist this summer, alongside Sheffield United’s Sadie Peck.
There was also reported “substantial” interest in the player last summer, according to WalesOnline, while he is believed to have attracted attention from several major European clubs, including Bayern Munich.
Lawlor enjoyed a standout campaign in his first full season of senior football, having made his breakthrough the previous year with sporadic appearances against Aston Villa and Norwich City before being entrusted with a regular role under Brian Barry-Murphy.
The defender went on to make 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring two standout individual goals against Leyton Orient and Doncaster Rovers.
Despite having fewer than a dozen senior club appearances at the time, Craig Bellamy handed Lawlor his senior international debut for Wales against Kazakhstan in September. He has since gone on to earn six caps, establishing himself within the national setup.
Jordan James
The West Ham Way has also reported extensively on West Ham’s interest in Colwill and Lawlor’s compatriot Jordan James, with the midfielder said to be available for transfer for an affordable fee.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a strong individual campaign in what was otherwise a difficult season for Leicester City, registering 11 goals and four assists in 34 league appearances.
