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FIVE Championship stars West Ham should sign

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Jordan RhodesJordan Rhodes

The Scotland international striker has been absolutely prolific in front of goal for Blackburn Rovers, ever since his £8million move to the Lancashire club in August 2012. He has notched 52 goals in 89 Championship appearances for Rovers in his two seasons at the club, which is a phenomenal strike rate at any level.

On the face of it, Rhodes should be a good signing for West Ham. A lack of goals was the Hammers Achilles heel last season, and a natural goalscorer like Rhodes, who may thrive playing off someone like Andy Carroll, could possibly provide the answer. At just 24 years of age, Rhodes has plenty of years playing left in him too.

However, the small goal-poacher type of player that Rhodes is, is not one that manager Sam Allardyce historically seems to enjoy accommodating in his side, with the likes of Nicky Maynard and Sam Baldock having previously been sidelined during Allardyce’s reign at West Ham. It also cannot be known for certain how Rhodes, who has previously been linked with a move to Upton Park, would cope with the step up in quality of the Premier League. In addition, any deal for Rhodes would be unlikely to take place this window, bearing in mind the former Huddersfield Town player has just penned a new long term deal at Blackburn.

Alex McCarthy

The Reading goalkeeper was in fine form last season for the Berkshire outfit, starting in 44 out of the 46 league matches. Indeed his performances have apparently caught the eye of several Premier League suitors, with media rumours of possible interest from clubs such as Arsenal and Swansea City.

At just 24 years old, the highly rated McCarthy would be a good option for West Ham for many years to come, with veteran Jussi Jaaskelainen as Adrian’s only competition in the side at the moment, and therefore a new, proven performer will be required sooner rather than later. According to reports, McCarthy would be available for a fee in the region of £5million.

Will Hughes

Hughes is a teenage midfielder, who has already been a regular in Derby County’s first team over the past couple of seasons, despite his lack of years. He has also represented England at several youth levels, including the U21 team.

Hughes is known to have strong technical attributes, particularly highly accomplished at dribbling and passing, and indeed standing out in the English second tier in this respect. With such talent at such a young age, the Ram’s midfielder has been previously been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

Someone with creative nous such as Hughes, could potentially improve the Hammers squad immensely, as he is the sort of player the club have been lacking for some time. However, having only just signed an extended contract at Derby, this transfer may be difficult to achieve right now, and he certainly wouldn’t come cheap even if the Midlanders were willing to sell.

Martin Olsson

The Norwich City left back has been heavily linked with a move to West Ham both last summer, whilst at Blackburn Rovers, and during this window at the Canaries, and with the Hammers still in the hunt for another left back, the Swede could be a good acquisition. He has several years experience in the Premier League, at the aforementioned teams, and has generally looked a competent player during that time, despite the recent woes of those two sides.

It is apparent that Sam Allardyce, who clearly rates Olsson, has already had more than one bid knocked back for him from Norwich, so it appears the potential fee involved is the consistent stumbling block to any deal. However, as the transfer window draws to a close, both sides may be willing to reach a compromise to get a transfer done.

Nathan Redmond

Another Norwich City player who could be a good signing for West Ham, is young winger Nathan Redmond. Brought last summer from Birmingham City after impressing in the Championship for the Blues, Redmond also showed great promise in the Premier League last season; a player with good dribbling skills and speed on the wing. At just 20 years of age, there is plenty of time to hone Redmond’s talents into a quality winger.

He won’t come cheap though, and both Southampton and Stoke City have apparently already had bids in the region of £3.5million turned down for the England U21 international, with Norwich allegedly holding out for a price in the region of £6-7million. It could be worth it though as he could be a good long-term prospect for the Hammers.

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