Frank McAvennie reacts as West Ham make Josh Doig demand to Hibernian
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…
Frank McAvennie believes Hibernian left-back Josh Doig would offer healthy competition to Aaron Cresswell at West Ham this season.
Standard Sport have reported that the east London club want to sign the 19-year-old this summer, but the Irons have told the Scottish side to slash their asking by 50%, to £2.5million.
Hibs want £5milllion plus add-ons, while Premier League rivals Watford are also eyeing up the Edinburgh-born teenager who was named in the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership Team of the Season.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, former Irons forward McAvennie has suggested his countryman could drive 31-year-old Cresswell to new heights.
On Doig, McAvennie said: “He’d be a good one.
“I think Cresswell fits better as part of a back three. But he’s still very assured at left-back.
“But it’s about people pushing you, don’t think your place is guaranteed every week. Competition is a wonderful thing for a football club, so I’d definitely be happy with Doig.
“But whether he’s worth £5million…that’s another subject. Not many players today are worth anywhere near their value, but that’s today’s market for you.”
West Ham currently have two options at left-back with Arthur Masuaku still at the club, but it remains to be seen whether he will stick around beyond the end of the summer after an injury-hit campaign last season.
Neither he nor Cresswell are exactly youthful players, which means David Moyes needs to start identifying a long-term solution, and Doig could be the perfect fit after a stellar season for Hibs.
£5million doesn’t seem like an awful lot to pay for a Premier League club, but the Irons are intent on ensuring value for money and look like refusing to pay over the odds.
Perhaps a long-term arrangement can be agreed that would see a small sum paid now and incentive-based payments in the future.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have made an approach to sign this English 24-year-old.
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