There were a number of reports over the weekend that West Ham are considering a bid for 27 year old Brazilian left-back, Guilherme Siqueira. Siqueira is contracted to Spanish club, Granada, but is currently on loan to Portuguese side, Benfica. And they apparently have an option to sign him in the summer. If Benfica fail to take up the option, then we could step in with a estimated c.£5m bid. It remains to be seen if these reports are true, but if they are, it raises the question whether the club still intend to follow through with the c.£4m bid to Napoli for Pablo Armero’s services?
There was another report in the Sunday papers that Sam Allardyce is also lining up a bid for Cardiff City keeper, David Marshall, who has been in superb form this season. Indeed, Marshall has been Cardiff City’s ‘stand out’ player and looks an excellent potential addition. If the move transpires then it will very likely mean the end of Jussi Jaaskelainen’s West Ham career. The probability being that Jussi will be released and Adrian and Marshall will compete, next season, for the first team jersey, with young Raphael Speigel as back up. Interestingly enough, current Hammers goal keeping coach, martyn Margetson, has previously worked with marshall when he was in a similiar role with Cardiff City. So, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that Margetson has recommended the player to Allardyce.
Elsewhere, the rumours still circulate about West Ham’s continuing interest in the Championship’s top scorer, Ross McCormack of Leeds Utd. The Scottish international striker has been very impressive this season, scoring 28 goals in all competitions. The club are allegedly hoping that McCormack is ready to move on and test himself at PL Level next season. He certainly deserves it, playing so well in a decidely average Leeds Utd side. The variable factor is whether Leed Utd’s new owner, Italian Massimo Cellino, will sanction the move? Presumably, the takeover means that there is no great pressure to sell and it would make sense to retain McCormack as part of next season’s promotion plans. Perhaps much will depend on who is Manager at the Yorkshire club? Present incumbent, Brian McDermott, will undoubtedly try to retain the player. However, if he is replaced soon, as seems likely, a successor may have other first team priorities and plans.
Finally, the ‘Forever West Ham’ site, has reported this evening on alleged quotes by Mo Diame in a French newspaper. These include the following comments attributed to him:
‘Liverpool? I can not say if I will be a Liverpool player next season. But my name is still on their wanted list. I do not hide it, I am ambitious and I want to join a top six side. I am 26 years old and its time to take that step.’
Has he been quoted out of context or has something been lost in translation? If not, then it looks like Diame will be actively seeking a exit this summer, providing there are any ‘top six’ sides interested in his services! Even if there are, he needs to reflect on the fact that signing and playing on a regular basis are too different things. Even if Liverpool do come in for him, how much time will he spend on their bench? Personally, I would like him to stay, sign a new contract and help us progress next season. But having said that, if he does stay, Diame certainly needs to show a great deal more consistency next season than he has in this current campaign.
SJ. Chandos.