West Ham target Tottenham midfielder

West Ham and Sam Allardyce are interesting in bringing English midfielder, Jake Livermore to the Boleyn Ground once the summer transfer window opens, according to various news sources.

It’s fair to say that Livermore, despite being only 24 years of age, has had his fair share of clubs already. Having come through the youth system at Spurs, the Englishman has failed to nail down a first-team under any of the North London side’s recent managers and has been since been shipped out on loan to various lower league clubs such as MK Dons, Derby County and Leeds United.

Having spoken to countless Spurs fans about Livermore, I have gathered that the majority believe that, put simply, he is not cut out for a starting place in the midfield of a side pushing for European places, and would be more suited to life in the Football League. Despite this, however, it is the Englishman’s performances during his most recent loan move to Premier League side Hull City that has begun to turn the heads of football fans, those of Tottenham in particular.

Having joined Hull City on loan in search of first team football alongside, Spurs teammate Tom Huddlestone, Livermore has gone from strength to strength and played a key part in Hull’s impressive survival campaign and ongoing FA Cup run.

Gold and Sullivan would undoubtedly face tough competition if they were to pursue Livermore’s signature, with the midfielder’s current boss Steve Bruce stating that he has made the 24 year old his ‘priority signing’, whilst Spurs have reportedly told Bruce they can have their man if they cough up £6million.

Alongside Hull, Stoke City have also reportedly joined the chase for the English midfielder with Mark Hughes, like Sam Allardyce, looking to strengthen his side’s midfield as they look to progress in the coming seasons after an impressive showing following the departure of Tony Pulis.

It must be said however, that remaining at the KC Stadium is the most likely outcome this summer, with the player himself stating that “It’s great at Hull, and I have really enjoyed my time here. I came to play regular first-team football after a terrible season at Tottenham, where I was in and out of the team.” It is clear for all to see that under the guidance of Bruce, Livermore is settled at his new club and ultimately enjoying his football, which the Englishman claims “is a massive part of football.”

From a West Ham supporter’s point of view, I must admit that I am quite undecided about Jake Livermore. It cannot be denied that the midfielder’s form this season has been impressive, and his contribution at Hull has been leaps and bounds ahead of what he provided Tottenham with. Whether this has come from better man management or simply from an extended, consistent run in Hull’s first team, the midfielder has certainly surprised many and has thus deservedly caught the attention of various managers. Despite this, I have reluctantly forced myself to decide to whether or not I believe Livermore would improve our starting line-up and whether he is worth £6million – I do not believe that he would, and I do not believe that he is.

I would, without hesitation welcome the midfielder to the club possibly as part of a rotation system, however the price tag is extremely off-putting, as I do not believe he is worth quite that much. I do not believe that he is better than Mark Noble or Mohamed Diame, and thus in my opinion would struggle to nail down a first team place at the Boleyn Ground, and I wouldn’t be surprised if following the nature of his career so far, he states the lack of guaranteed football in East London as his reason for turning down a move to E13.

Let me know what you think – would you like to see Livermore in claret and blue next season?