By Jack Cunningham

18th Nov, 2021 | 7:10pm

Jamal Baptiste to save West Ham major January transfer spend

West Ham are hoping that Jamal Baptiste can step up into the first team and potentially save them some money in January.

Claret & Hugh claim that the 18-year-old has been lined up for a first-team role after Angelo Ogbonna suffered an ACL injury that could keep him out for a long time.

This could force the Irons into action in January, but it seems as if they might rely on Baptiste instead, and they claim that he could be the next breakthrough player.

It seems as David Moyes is a big fan of the young centre-back, so Baptiste could be one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks and months.

Another great academy prospect.

It seems as if Baptiste could be about to follow Declan Rice and Ben Johnson and make his first-team debut for the club soon.

Moyes apparently wants to initially use the 18-year-old in the FA Cup and perhaps have him as a fourth centre-back option while Ogbonna recovers.

Now, there is nothing better than seeing an academy prospect breakthrough into the first team and stay there.

So, if he can save the Irons some money and establish himself in Moyes’ side, then that would be fantastic, and it will be fascinating to see what happens.

Of course, the Irons might decide to sign another centre-back in January anyway, but if they don’t, then Baptiste is there, and it seems as if he is ready to play first-team football, which is exciting.

Therefore, Baptiste could be someone to keep a close eye on as the season progresses.

In other West Ham news, Jeff Stelling has made his prediction on the Wolves game.

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