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FIVE replacements West Ham should consider for Newcastle target Andy Carroll

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Peter Crouch (Stoke)Welcome Hammers to my first proper article, where I hope to be listening to your opinions more than playing with your heartstrings. Now, if you are a dedicated Twitter user you will have seen Andy Carroll’s general fitness has been in question since not appearing in any of the pre-season games thus far. Many believe he has got another injury and the club are covering it up, and others believe they are just playing it safe. Until we see the man on the pitch, these discussions will continue.

As the title suggests, the big man has also been linked with a move back to Newcastle United, which would take him back to the club he pretty much made a name for himself at. With a £15million price tag one day, and £10million and a player exchange, the next. I think the fact Carroll is now with a partner from Essex and earning around 120k-a-week, which I find Newcastle struggling to match, too much for him to leave, not to mention the backlash from West Ham fans for being out close to a whole season, then just to leave would very much leave a sour taste. Then we have the fact he has declared himself happy with where he is & preparing for the start of the season sort of gives that impression he wants to make his season a good one.

Of course, let us focus on if the worst does happen and Andy Carroll either falls over a Lego brick, or plays five minutes in the friendly and has to come off injured. Also the scenario Newcastle have the money and the determination to bring Andy back, here I have listed five replacements that could be considered if the worst does happen. Take note, these are players who might be available & in the price range(ish).

1)     Peter Crouch

( Best of – http://youtu.be/HRp6k9ZnaYM )

Now I know each one of you sighed a little at that, being honest so did I. The thing with Peter Crouch is he age and really not getting younger in footballing terms. He could be available for not a huge amount, and is a known goal scorer. With eight goals in 34 games last season & the way Big Sam runs the West Ham team, it would be a no brainer to think the super gangly bean being up top could nod in all the crosses coming in from the wings. It’s not the most exciting prospect if Carroll does decide to fail us, but better pick than Carlton Cole? You decide.

2)     Wilfried Bony

( Best of – http://youtu.be/ag5mjVpQUt0 )

Bony with 16 goals in 34 games for Swansea City last season is a player not to be overlooked. Wilfried Bony is young and dangerous in front of the goal, as seen all of last season. He seems to be unsettled at Swansea, and was apparently looking to get a move to Liverpool, that doesn’t look likely to happen. Now the Davids of West Ham might have to dig deep to get him to sign, promising a top six finish this season to get his attention, but with the progress made this transfer window, anything is possible!

3)     Kévin Gameiro

( Best of – http://youtu.be/f-qthq4SJ60 )

We have apparently just had an offer rejected for Kévin Gameiro, the Sevilla FC striker / winger. The offer was for around £12m, a price if we come to sell Carroll would be in target for us to at least tempt away. With 14 goals in 32 games last season for Sevilla FC, it’s not far off a goal every other game. Not the tallest striker in the world at around 5ft 8, it would be a struggle to see how he would fit in with the current system, but of course this season it could all change with the promise of more attractive, attacking football. Would be one to keep an eye on, though highly unlikely to move in my honest opinion.

4)     Islam Slimani

( Best of – http://youtu.be/Nu4cKK97Xmc )

A player who might seem like a complete stab in the dark to some, but the Algerian footballer of the year & Golden Ball winner of 2013 Islam Slimani would be, in my view, a top target if Carroll left or croaked. While West Ham are apparently tracking him, as are other clubs such as Leicester City he is known more as a player who is unlocking all his potential to become a great player. Standing around 6ft 1, he wouldn’t look out of place leading the forward play. His scoring record is pretty nice too, in 08/09 season out of 22 games he scored 18 goals, 09/13 he played 96 and scored 32. This season he tucked away 8 goal from 26 games. So the lad knows where to find the back of the net, but would he cut in in England & with Big Sam’s tactics?

5)     Dani Osvaldo

( Best of – http://youtu.be/zwzH6MuLnnQ )

Let us finish on a bit of a hot one, no, not appearance wise but the little hot-headed Dani Osvaldo currently of Southampton. With 82 career goals from 245 appearances he may seem worth the £13 million spent on him. Saying that, after a bust up with a team mate, fines and stupid behaviour he was shipped off on loan to Juventus at the start of the year. Now the new season is approaching, it seems he has been given the chance to move on. If Carroll left or injured, this would be very much a gamble. I would like to think if someone like Paolo Di Canio can become a West Ham legend after being known as the footballer who pushed over a ref, Dani might have a chance. Highly doubtful he enjoyed his time in England so far, but would you give him a try?

So that is my list of five strikers who could possibly have a chance of being scouted by West Ham, of course this is just my personal opinion and not to be taken as fact! I loved all of your comments from my previous article, and would love to see who you all believe would be the ideal man to replace Andy Carroll.

(EDIT) Just seen the news that Andy Carroll has a ‘sore left ankle’ that will take him out of both games in New Zealand – Better get those replacements in soon I think! Keep an eye on https://foreverwestham.com/ for all the latest news.

Until next time, keep blowing those bubbles Hammers! #COYI

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2 comments

  • ray says:

    yeah don’t want any of the players above they will ask to much money and crouch why ? if we have to loan a stricker do that but not with stupid wage .

  • mick says:

    A long term prospect Jordan Ayew.And a short term till carroll gets back K Doyle

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