West Ham remain active in the January transfer market as they look to bolster key areas within their squad ahead of the relegation battle that lies ahead of David Moyes’ side.
The Hammers currently sit just four points above the relegation zone and need to find consistency to keep their head above water, with Moyes identifying the midfield area of their squad as being in need of an injection of talent.
West Ham have endured a number of frustrations in the January market, with Stoke making it clear they don’t intend on selling Joe Allen and Newcastle looking set to retain the services of Jonjo Shelvey, so the East London side should look elsewhere.
An ideal move for the Hammers could come from Stateside, where it’s being reported that relegation rivals Stoke City are looking to conclude a deal for New York City FC starlet Jack Harrison, who has caught the eye for the MLS side in the past two-years.
The 21-year-old previously spent time in the academies of Liverpool and Manchester United before making waves in the United States, where he was drafted by Chicago Fire as the #1 pick in the 2016 draft and then immediately traded to New York.
Since then, Harrison has made 56 MLS appearances for Patrick Vieira’s side, scoring 14 goals, and his performances earned him a call up to England’s U21 side last year- making his debut against Scotland in October.
That has raised Harrison’s stock significantly and it’s becoming clear that the youngster’s future lies back in his homeland, with the Potters looking to sign the Stoke-born talent this month- but West Ham should certainly hijack a deal.
According to widespread reports, Stoke have bid £3.25m for the midfielder and that’s a fee that West Ham could easily match- and they’d likely be able to offer better wages and better opportunities for the future in East London.
Harrison could potentially become a star at the London Stadium alongside fellow young midfielder Manuel Lanzini, providing a massive boost for West Ham’s future, and the opportunity to live in England’s capital would be difficult to reject.
The Hammers will need to move swiftly if they’re to hijack a deal, as it appears that Harrison is poised to return to the city where he was born, so the ball is certainly in David Moyes’ court heading into the final week of the transfer window.
Moyes is desperate to improve his midfield options this month and Harrison would be an ideal recruit, particularly for his bargain price.
