Nottingham Forest boss Martin O’Neill is looking to take Sam Byram back to the City Ground next season but believes the right back may see himself as a West Ham player.
Byram made his eighth appearance for the Reds in their final game 1-0 win over Bolton which saw them collect their third successive victory
O’Neill admitted he is keen on the former Leeds defender saying: “I think Sam has done fine for us, yes. He is going back to West Ham and I don’t know how that situation is unfolding there.
“Pablo Zabaleta has just signed a new contract there and they have the young lad, Ryan Fredericks, as well, who used to be at Fulham. He is a nice kid, who has done exceptionally well.
“I do not know what Sam’s precise position is. I have only discussed it with him, in three or four sentences.
“But I think he might think that, now he is properly fit, West Ham might be for him. But we will see.”
ClaretandHugh says: Despite the Forest boss’ fears the Hammers will be ready to cash in on Byram should the Championship club come in with an offer. Manuel Pellegrini was happy for the defender to go out on loan at Forest and is happy with the right sided defensive players he has in Zaba and Ryan Fredericks. The Hammers paid around £3.7 million for Byram and with his contract running out next July the Irons would be ready to let him go so long as they can make a small profit on their lay out. The 25 year old has never truly settled at West Ham and has been incredibly unfortunate to be hot with regular serious injuries and he desperately needs the sort of regular football he will get at Forest in the Championship under a top manager. This is one that looks set to happen if O’Neill follows through on his hopes.
I like Byram, although he wasn’t quite at the level in terms of ability, he showed a lot of heart every time he pulled on the shirt and wish him every success, the Forest fans love him and hopefully we can get some funds in for him could be the best of both sides if he gets a move.
I wasn’t impressed with byram when he played for west ham.He got caught out of position too many times and he picked up yellow cards because of his late tackles.
I don’t think there is any chance of him getting back into the first team so sell him.