West Ham United could sign Dele Alli on free transfer to replace exit-linked Lucas Paqueta

Rob Guest has mooted a potential move for Dele Alli to West Ham when his contract at Everton expires this summer.

Writing on the football.london website on Sunday (21 April), the journalist suggested David Moyes may need to bring in a new attacking midfielder due to the speculation surrounding the future of Lucas Paqueta.

He added that a switch to East London could work in Alli's favour if the 28-year-old leaves Goodison Park in the next few weeks, highlighting how the Hammers boss previously helped fellow Englishman Jesse Lingard rediscover his form during a loan spell at the London Stadium.

"David Moyes may need to bring in an attack-minded midfielder this summer amid speculation regarding Lucas Paqueta and a big-money move to Man City," said Guest.

"The Scottish manager got the very best out of Jesse Lingard during a short loan spell during the 2020/21 season, with the former England international going on to net nine goals in 16 games.

"So could Moyes potentially get Alli back to his previous heights? A switch to east London could certainly work in the player's favour if he is to be a free agent ahead of next term."

Could Dele Alli sign for West Ham from Everton?

It seems pretty unlikely that West Ham would take a risk on Alli even if he is available on a free transfer this summer due to his injury situation.

The attacking midfielder, who has had a difficult past few years, has so far missed the entirety of this campaign after suffering a number of setbacks in his bid to return to full fitness.

It would be seen as a huge gamble if the Hammers were to make a move for the Englishman, with them likely to be seeking a more reliable option if Paqueta is to leave the club.

The fact of the matter is, if he isn't currently deemed to be good enough for a struggling Everton side, then he isn't quite at the required level for the Irons.

There is no doubt that he has been a quality player in the past and he could rediscover that form, but regular opportunities perhaps wouldn't be available for him at the London Stadium.

In other West Ham news, Alan Shearer has been slammed after what he said about David Moyes. 

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