It has been reported that West Ham have curtailed their pursuit of Sunderland centre-forward, Connor Wickham, at least for the time being! This is as a result of Sunderland rejecting a revised £5m bid for the player. One might have anticipated that Sunderland would have taken the £5m and cut their losses on a player entering the final year of his current contract. However, the Black Cats Manager, Gus Poyet, appears determined that Wickham will start the campaign at the Stadium of Light. Hence, the insistence upon an unrealistic £8m asking price. Sunderland now need to offer the improved terms necessary to convince the player to sign a new contract or they may well come to regret their rejection of West Ham’s bid.
For West Ham’s part, it might be a case of the pursuit of Connor Wickham being curtailed rather than ended! There is always the possibility that Sunderland might suddenly decide to cash-in before the summer transfer window closes or in the following January window. Alternatively, if the Hammers are convinced of his potential, Wickham could become a Bosman target next summer. In the meantime, they need to re-evaluate their immediate options and revise their targets accordingly. Will they consider resusitating the £3.5m deal for Sakho? He certainly seems worth a punt, at that fee, and you have to respect the fact (if the story is to be believed about Sakho shedding tears when the deal was derailed on Tuesday?) that he appears committed, highly motivated and hungry for success. They can be real positive attributes in a player. Or will the club draw a line under that abortive deal and shift their focus to alternative targets?
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that the club are looking to sign two forwards before the window closes. Presumably, that will be an additional centre forward and an attacking midfielder. With regard to the latter role, there appears to be two current targets in the frame, Morgan Amalfitano of Marsaille and Sampdoria’s Pedro Obiang. Obiang is a Spanish U-21 international and he can probably be signed for a c.£4m fee or via an initial season long loan, with the option to buy. Although it has to be said that at present Sampdoria appear to only be open to a permanent move. While Morgan Amalfitano is significantly more experienced and can play both wide and as an attacking central midfielder. That versatility, plus the fact he is available for a relatively nominal fee, could be the clinching factors. Indeed, there were reports yesterday that Almalfitano was travelling to London to undertake a medical and seal the move to Upton Park. We need to keep a watching brief on that potential deal and, indeed, also the other link to Obiang.
Elsewhere, it has been confirmed that West Ham will face Sheffield Utd, in the 2nd round of the Capital One Cup, at Upton Park, in the week commencing 25 August 2014. This is, of course, the first time the two clubs have faced each other since the ‘settlement’ of the controversial Tevez issue. It should be an interesting match, with a bit of added spice! There will no doubt be a debate about whether the Hammers should take the opportunity to play some youngsters or pick a full-strength XI in an attempt to extract a full measure of retribution for that ridiculous £25m compensation package?
My view is that the issue is done, dusted and firmly in the past. It is time to look to the future and give the likes of Chambers, Potts and Lee valuable first team exposure. As a PL team, and regardless of selection, we should always expect to win against a League 1 side. It is immaterial who they happen to be! Arguably, that is the best and most professional way to approach the tie. But if we can also notch up a few goals in the process, so much the better!
SJ. Chandos.