West Ham are being linked with Liverpool right back Nathaniel Clyne this winter but David Moyes is also reported to have an eye on Newcastle’s Javi Manquillo.
The Clyne rumour is being pushed essentially by the Express whose record on accurately predicting comings and goings is a little less than indifferent.
And with the player coming back from a pre-season injury, it seems less likely than usual given the problems being experienced with Darren Randolph whose move is still on hold given his own inability to get through a medical at this stage.
The apparent alternative – Manquillo – is a now and again starter for Newcastle and would not be the most popular of choices.
And Moyes has been handed a word of advice by former academy chief Terry Westley who told ClaretandHugh that he has the ready-made right back on his hands in Ben Johnson.
The under 23 – who is now involved with the first team squad – is expected to be back in full training over the next few days and could be available for selection in a fortnight to three weeks.
And Westley told us exclusively: “He will be challenging for the Number One slot – he is 6ft 1in and comfortable defending or going forward. David has the man for the job. He’s a great prospect and can save the club a lot of money.”
