West Ham eye move for Chelsea talent Marc Guehi
The Athletic claim that West Ham are among a clutch of clubs who want to sign Chelsea talent Marc Guehi, who has been starring out on loan at Swansea City.
According to their football correspondent David Ornstein, the Irons are battling the likes of Southampton and Crystal Palace for the 20-year-old whose market value is expected to be in the region of £15-20million.
Chelsea will also consider inserting a buy-back clause in any potential permanent deal, while a third successive loan spell is still a possibility.
However, Chelsea’s London rivals West Ham, who are currently battling them for a Champions League berth next season, are viewed as a “less likely destination” for the defender who has been a leading light for Swansea in the Championship over the last couple of seasons.
ITV journalist Guto Llewelyn recently raved about him on the WalesOnline website.
“The youngster inexplicably missed out on the official Championship Team of the Season but he has been phenomenal,” he said.
“He is the complete player, a dependable and intelligent defender but also a cultured footballer and an impressive athlete.
“At times it seems like there are two Marc Guehis on the pitch and therefore the on-loan Chelsea defender is a serious contender for the Swans’ Player of the Year award.”
Time up for Diop?
Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson seem to be David Moyes’ preferred centre-back pairing with their solid defending and years of experience.
Behind them, however, our options are less certain.
Fabian Balbuena’s contract expires in the summer and he looks primed to depart the club, while Issa Diop has been shaky in spells over the past year, and Moyes doesn’t seem to rate him too highly.
A move for Guehi would surely end Diop’s Irons future.
One thing Guehi has to his game is pace, which would be in stark contrast to someone like Dawson, for example.
At such a young age Guehi has coped admirably with the demands of second-tier football and is primed to make the step up, and his athleticism should see him bridge that gap comfortably.
It’s a deal we’d be keen to see done, though a buy-back clause should be completely avoided.
In other West Ham news, Reliable journalist: Irons will table blockbuster bid for 23y/o international star.
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