West Ham handed Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku new deals as an asset protection move ahead of the January and 2020 transfer windows.
There had been widespread surprise that the pair had been handed new two and four year contracts after some form lapses over the past few season.
But having hinted the Irons needed to ensure they received fees for the players rather than allow their contracts to run down, Claret and Hugh has learned that the decisions were based on the club wanting to ensure they maintained the keeping both players ahead of any clubs trying to pick them p on the cheap.
Masuaku’s deal was due to run out next summer and Cressie’s in 2021, thus the reason the Hammers decided to nail them down for a period to ensure their value remains relatively high values and to protect themselves from any interested outfits trying to pick them up on the cheap.
We understand too that the manager is continuing to look for players in that area of the squad along with central defenders in the January window.
Needs to look at midfield as matter of urgency – otherwise we will just get completely overrun in most games. Need some players with legs””.