Frank McAvennie: Dejan Lovren not who West Ham should sign
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham United failed to sign anyone in January, much to fans’ frustrations, but Frank McAvennie doesn’t want them to chase their latest target.
Claret and Hugh report that the Hammers are considering a deal to sign former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren from Zenit St Petersburg with special loan rules coming into place for players in Russia and Ukraine amid their ongoing conflict.
The 32-year-old would be one of those who could move elsewhere for a brief period as the domestic leagues in both countries come to a halt as war breaks out.
Ex-Iron McAvennie acknowledges the need for a central defender at the London Stadium but insists that there is a more pressing concern David Moyes should look to address.
“I don’t think he (Lovren) is it,” McAvennie said exclusively to West Ham Zone. “If he’s playing every week in the Russian league, it won’t be a case of he’s not strong enough because that is a helluva league to play in.
“If they can get him, I would get him but I don’t think it’s going to be allowed now.
“It’s a strange one but it is what it is and there’s not much we can do about it.
“He’s a player they need because they need cover there but it’s a centre forward for me.
“He’s got to get a centre forward because (Michail) Antonio, no matter how well he’s doing, he needs someone behind him to give him a little breather.”
There is no big rush to bring in another defensive option with Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawon and Issa Diop all fighting fit and only Angelo Ogbonna absent through injury.
In other West Ham news, this 29-year-old from the EFL is another central defender that Moyes is reportedly interested in signing ahead of next season.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.