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West Ham United: David Sullivan could be forced to accelerate Divin Mubama talks
David Sullivan could be forced to accelerate contract talks with West Ham rebel Divin Mubama as the forward will likely be relied upon after Michail Antonio’s injury.
The 19-year-old has recently turned down a contract extension at the London Stadium, prompting the Hammers owner to step in, with negotiations initially expected to take place before Christmas [Claret & Hugh, 11 November].
Now though, after the injury to Antonio, David Moyes may need to rely on Mubama as one of his striker options, and the boss will be keen to ease his concerns and ensure his future commitment.
Antonio has been the first-choice striker at the London Stadium so far this season, but is expected to miss around three months after picking up a knee injury on international duty [Claret & Hugh, 19 November].
Jarrod Bowen, who has also been used as a striker by Moyes this season in an experimental role, has also picked up an injury and has been sent home from international duty with England, meaning Moyes will have to rely on Mubama and Danny Ings to lead the line.
Ings has been underwhelming so far this season when selected and has not earned the opportunity for a guaranteed starting role, and the boss will now be forced to choose between out-of-form Ings and wantaway Mubama.
With zero goals so far this season, Ings has been rumoured to be on the chopping board at the London Stadium as the club target new strikers such as Dominic Solanke and Santiago Gimenez.
Of the two strikers, Mubama provides the more intriguing option, with Ings becoming stale while many feel Mubama has been deserving of more game time for a while.
The 19-year-old could finally be handed his chance to shine after waiting throughout the season so far with little joy apart from a couple of late cameo appearances, but these injuries could now provide him with the opportunity he has needed.
In other West Ham news, a star player was lucky to escape a serious injury on international duty.