Incoming Ruben Loftus-Cheek Rumour I Player Swap Story

With no Premier League matches for the next 14 days many sites are broadening their horizons to encompass football clubs across Europe and beyond. Today West Ham have been linked with a player swap story which would take one of the Hammers’ most combative players away from London Stadium in a deal which would bring midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the opposite direction.

The story focuses on A C Milan’s dissatisfaction with the way in which former Chelsea man Loftus-Cheek has adapted – or rather failed to adapt – to Paulo Fonseco’s system at Milan.

At the same time Milan are said to be casting covetous eyes on West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez and the report in sportswitness.co.uk simply joins the two together. It is said that Milan are looking to reinforce their midfield and are: ‘thinking about the former Ajax man for their midfield.‘ Their article is entitled:

“West Ham could sign player with PL experience – Club thinking of swap deal with Hammers”

The article does allude to differing values: Alvarez would certainly command more, whether that be the £10 million suggested or far more. But it avoids the principal question: Would West Ham want to weaken their defence and midfield by selling proven performer Alvarez ,when Ward-Prowse is out on loan, Soler is only a temporary fix and Rodriguez has shown he is a safe pair of hands but no ‘El Machin’ in midfield?

With the Paquetá hearing now looming in March I’d be amazed if West Ham risk upsetting the fragile success of the new-era by selling Alvarez just now. A one-in-one-out deal would not strengthen the West Ham squad in any case.

The undoubted appeal of bringing in a mobile, attacking midfielder who is under thirty – he ‘s 28- needs to be weighed up against the big hole which Alvarez would leave in The Irons squad. What would be the point?  I see this as a non-starter.