West Ham must ‘make a statement’ in summer – Frank McAvennie
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…
This summer’s transfer window could be make or break for West Ham United and Frank McAvennie wants them to stamp their authority.
The midfield looks set to be one of the most important areas of both recruitment and sales for David Moyes with Mark Noble retiring and Alex Kral set to return to Spartak Moscow leaving just two central midfielders at his disposal.
The Scot will be able to call upon Conor Coventry who will return from his loan spell at MK Dons (where he is nominated for player of the season) but there is not much left beyond that.
Ex-Hammers striker McAvennie though would prefer his former side to flex their financial muscles to impress Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen, who could leave if an acceptable bid arrives, and keep them at the club.
“They’re obviously looking at that department (midfield) so if they’ve got a player already there, why would they spend money?” McAvennie said to West Ham Zone.
“But, they’ve got to spend money to keep players like Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen at the club because West Ham should be a big club.
“Declan is going to be looking at players who they are bringing in and they have to make a statement to him.”
West Ham had been almost resigned to the fact that Rice was going to leave this summer but a report coming out today from Claret and Hugh suggests that he is likely to stay for at least one more season with no suitable alternatives for him to leave the London Stadium for.
In other West Ham news, one Iron has exploded in an X-rated argument with a former teammate over a controversial topic.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.