I’m really gutted that James Tomkins seems to be on his way out of West Ham, and joining Crystal Palace. He’s always been a favourite of mine and West Ham through and through. He’s said to be frustrated that he didn’t get enough game time last season, and I suspect doesn’t like playing at right back.
Bilic says he won’t stand in his way. However, there seems to be a great difference in valuation. West Ham want £12.5 million, while Palace value him at a paltry £6 million. It has to be said that Pardew is building a half decent team and has made some great signings, the latest being Andros Townsend. But it is still a shit ground. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to swap the Olympic Stadium for Selhurst Park.
Reece Burke has been told he won’t be sent out on loan this season and will be Tomkins’ replacement in the first team squad. That’s great news for Reece, who did so well at Bradford City last season. However, it is said that we have also put in an offer for Belgian international defender Thomas Meunier.
I suspect we now need a squad with five centre backs rather than the four that we played with last season. Having said that, we know that Kouyate can fill in there, as can our news signing Havard Nordtveit.