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Pundit wants West Ham to sign Raphinha after what Leeds United ace did to Cresswell
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 wants to see Raphinha sign for West Ham after the Leeds United star made Aaron Cresswell look back last weekend.
Raphinha, 25, impressed as the Yorkshire club won 3-2 at the London Stadium on Sunday [16 January].
While he didn’t score, the Brazil international assisted one of Jack Harrison’s three goals and regularly had the better of Irons left-back Cresswell, 32, throughout the game.
Cresswell returned from injury against Norwich last week before he was named to start against Leeds and McAvennie feels the left-back wasn’t up to speed based on his performance.
However, the ex-striker can understand why Cresswell may have struggled when he was up against the in-form Raphinha.
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“[Cresswell] came back and you could tell he was injured,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“I don’t know what his injury was but he was a bit hesitant against Raphinha when he got the ball.
“But listen, you would be hesitant against him because he’s a brilliant player.
“Raphinha is a player I’d like to see at West Ham. He’s a good player.”
Raphinha has been linked with top clubs in the Premier League and across Europe with Liverpool, Chelsea [Daily Star] and Bayern Munich [TNT Sports] among those in contention to sign him.
However, Leeds are reportedly in talks to get Raphinha tied down to a new contract.
The Daily Star reported on 21 January that the Brazil international currently earns £55,000-a-week at Elland Road but Leeds want him to be their top earner and get a new contract worth £100,000-a-week.
In other West Ham news, Kaveh Solhekol dropped a major Hammers transfer update on Sky Sports News on Wednesday.
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