Over the past few weeks the Hammers have been linked with various targets and with FA cup 3rd round weekend were there any clues for who could be available.
Vedran Corluka- The versatile defender looks set to join Big Sam’s West Ham. The defender didn’t appear in Spurs side in their 3-0 win against Cheltenham and was rumoured to have agreed terms and underwent a medical at the Hammers on Friday evening and is set to be announced on Sunday afternoon. Corluka would represent a very good signing for a West Ham side who just last week were forced to field 5 strikers on the substitutes bench would provide vital competition and quality to the squad.
Verdict: Top signing.
Jordan Rhodes: Rhodes’ Huddersfield town were knocked out in the first round of the FA cup in a 4-1 defeat to Paolo Di Canio’s Swindon. Rhodes didn’t appear in that match so isn’t cup tied. The Scottish international is one of the hottest properties outside of the Premier League and is in fantastic form, away at Wycombe on Friday night he bagged five goals in 50 minutes in Towns 6-0 win. West Ham hopes of signing could have been dented as his form has caught Premier league eyes. The Hammers are hopeful their latest bid of £4 million could be enough but with Town being so determined to keep hold of him it is unlikely that £4 million will be enough to secure his service, but rumour has it that Gold and Sullivan will go all out to secure the young Scot. So time will tell.
Verdict: The young forward would add much needed confidence to a front line that has been struggling to bang in the goals.
Billy Sharp: The second forward on the list is Doncaster Rovers number 10 Billy Sharp. Sharp didn’t appear in Doncaster’s team against Notts County today fuelling speculation at a move elsewhere. Sharp has banged in ten goals so far this season and the Hammers have been linked with a move for the Yorkshire man. The big number 10 is quick and has quality finishing something the Hammers need. But Sharp is reluctant to move away from home and move down south but the lure of potential Premier league football could act as a big enough draw for Sharp to move to the East end club.
Verdict: If we miss out on Rhodes, Sharp is a very gifted 2nd choice.
Finally a young player I must admit I know little about, but Big Sam has obviously seen potential in Newcastle midfielder Shane Ferguson. Ferguson has been linked with a loan move to the Hammers and could add vital competition in midfield down the left with Taylor finding himself constantly battling against injury. The young Northern Irish international who has appeared 8 times for the Toon could add vital versatility down the left hand side as he can also play left full back.
Verdict: Following the disaster which forced the Hammers to field 5 strikers on the substitutes bench at Pride Park, Ferguson could act as vital competition and the 20 year old could be just the ticket.
