News of West Ham’s winter transfer priorities has come from a well-connected journalist with a pretty good track record for Hammers info: Along with it comes a big question mark over what happens to the present first team members who, if proven correct, will find themselves out of line for a starting spot, both competing for one solitary place in Scott Parker’s squad.
Alan Nixon, writing on his patreon page, has revealed the priorities in his article:
“Parker top two targets for West Ham”..
Claiming that, contrary to popular belief, the Hammers will not be prioritising a new goal keeper in January, instead revealing that Scott Parker’s top targets are a striker and a left back addition to the squad.
With Taty and Pablo so very poor, the striker option is entirely understandable, whilst a new left back makes sense with Adama Boiro reported to be already unwanted and West Ham, it is said, having sought to cancel his loan deal early.
Mayers and Scarles could compete for one solitary place on Parker’s bench
But it does place academy graduates Ollie Scarles and Ezra Mayers in the invidious position of competing for one seat on the bench if a new first choice defender is signed. Mayers, on current standing, would be the favourite to stay with the out-of-favour Ollie Scarles seemingly destined for a loan or permanent exit once a new player is secured.
I’d love to agree with you that Alan Nixon is a reliable source
But in reality we all know he isn’t
Whilst he has half his claim right – that we’d be looking for a striker, I’m not sure anyone believes a left back would be the other priority, when we have glaring issues side our goal and central defence
I would happily be proven wrong about targeting a left back
Martin if this is true it’s a poor call in my view. Mayers with decent centre back beside him can do a job for us and Ollie always gives everything when on the pitch. We need a Keeper, centre back, unless one can be found in the club and a forward as a minimum. A defending midfielder may also be needed unless Scott can get one of what we have raise their game.