West Ham will not be making a surprise move for Juventus left back Patrice Evra in the January transfer window, says manager Slaven Bilic.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference today, he is quoted by the Evening Standard as saying that the Hammers have adequate cover in the position:
“Every player who is available, there’s always West Ham. But 95 per cent of that is not true. Definitely not true with Evra. Okay, he’s a great player, but in that position we’re well covered.”
A report in the Sun had linked West Ham with Evra. The 35 year old is out of contract at the end of the season and has fallen out of favour under manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Alex Sandro has replaced Evra as the first choice left back this season, and Allegri was heavily critical of the French international’s performance when he replaced the injured Sandro in the defeat to AC Milan in the Italian Super Cup match last week.
A loan move away from Turin until his contract expires seems like the best option for both parties with West Ham suggested by the Sun as a possible destination.
With Bilic ruling out a move, it seems that the club will be looking to strengthen other positions in January. The club has struggled for a consistent right back in recent seasons. Sam Byram, Alvaro Arbeloa, Havard Nordtveit and Michail Antonio have all filled in on the right side but none have totally convinced. Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson has been tipped to return for a third loan spell with the Hammers.
