OPINION
West Ham must exploit the reported contract dilemma that is currently facing Burnley in order to snatch defender Ben Mee from their squad.
The 28-year-old’s current deal at the Lancashire club is set to expire next summer and despite months of talks with the player, as reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, about a new contract he is yet to sign one.
The local newspaper claim that while Burnley are still hopeful about securing his services if no agreement is reached with Mee he could depart on a free transfer next summer.
This situation could leave the Clarets having to decide whether to quickly sell the centre-back in the current window in order to ensure they get a transfer fee for his services.
The Hammers need to take advantage of this situation that is no doubt worrying Burnley as Mee would be a good enforcer for Manuel Pellegrini to bolster his side with.
The 28-year-old centre-back is a proven Premier League performer having feature 96 times in England’s top-flight and he had very impressive 2017/18 campaign to help Sean Dyche’s side finish seventh in the league.
Mee is strong in the air allowing him to regular win aerial duels, regularly blocks shots by charging them down and can be a an attacking threat when his side win an in-direct free-kick or a corner.
It has previously been reported by Claret & Hugh that Pellegrini is very keen to sign another centre-back this summer and given Mee’s attributes, top-flight experience as well as his recent impressive campaign then he could meet the manager’s desire for a new enforcer.
This means the Hammers should look to exploit Mee’s current contract situation at Burnley by putting in a bid as soon as they can as their Premier League rivals may be forced to accept it due to there currently being a chance that he might leave for free next summer.
