OPINION
West Ham must go all out to rip the reported not for sale sign off Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham as he is worth the hassle.
French publication L’Equipe claimed that the Hammers had inquired about signing the 22-year-old Hoops midfielder in order to see if there was a possibility that they could secure his services this summer.
However the Daily Record have since stated that Brendan Rodgers’ side had slapped a not for sale sign on Ntcham and that they will not encourage the Hammers’ pursuit of the fantastic central midfielder.
The Scottish newspaper also reported that Manuel Pellegrini’s side had not been in contact about the 22-year-old as of yet despite L’Equipe’s report but did share that Celtic were expecting sides to be interested in his services.
If the Hammers do have an interest in Ntcham then they must not be put off his not for sale sign as every player has a price when it is all said and done.
The midfield maestro, who can be deployed as an attacking or defensive option, was purchased by Celtic from Manchester City for only £4.5million last summer.
This suggests that the Hammers could potentially make a bid that would offer enough of an instant profit that perhaps the Scottish giants will soften their stance about his departure.
Ntcham is a sublime passer of the ball and has an eye for goal so it’s easy to imagine him instantly boosting Pellegrini’s current midfield options.
Also the 22-year-old has already got his current season off to a fantastic start as he has shined during the Hoops’ Champions League qualification games.
The skilful midfielder has scored one goal in three outings so far to aid his side’s bid to qualify for the prestigious European tournament and has looked amazing while aiding their cause.
Ntcham’s talent were also regularly seen last season as he scored nine, while creating six, in his 48 outings for the Hoops and was a key reason why they found themselves adding more silverware to their already packed trophy cabinet.
The Hoops player particularly impressed in his five Champions League outings in his 2017/18 campaign as he managed to register two assists despite his side’s struggles in the tournament.
While the midfielder has enough talent to light up the London Stadium already with him being only 22-years-old, he is only set to get better.
This means that while the Hammers will face a battle to get him off Celtic’s hands, he is worth the hassle of pursuing.
Therefore Pellegrini shouldn’t stop his pursuit of Ntcham just because of the player’s not for sale sign and instead rip that sign off and successfully welcome him to the Hammers this summer.
