Report: Strong chance of West Ham signing Championship midfielder
West Ham United finally completed one of their long-awaited January transfer deals on Wednesday, with goalkeeper Darren Randolph arriving.
Despite the addition of the Republic of Ireland international, though, there is still plenty of work to be done at the London Stadium.
Central midfield would appear to be the area of the pitch where the Hammers are looking to strengthen.
And Football Insider reported on Wednesday that agents are convinced that the east London outfit have a strong chance of signing Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen this month.
The Irons saw their pursuit of young midfielder Gedson Fernandes hijacked by London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and so are now looking at alternatives.
If a fee can be sorted out with the Potters, it’s expected that a deal for Allen would be fairly straightforward, with the Welsh international keen to return to the Premier League.
Is this good news for West Ham?
It’s hard to say, to be honest. Allen is a decent player and, at 29 years of age, still has a few years left in the tank at the top level.
However, he’s hardly an exciting talent. Yes, the Hammers are after centre midfield depth this month, but that doesn’t mean they can’t go out and get a top player.
Allen simply seems like too much of a compromise which, in all honesty, makes him the perfect West Ham signing.
In other West Ham news, a former England international has been left impressed by a reported Irons bid.