OPINION
West Ham must hijack Swansea City’s reported £6million pursuit of Brentford midfielder Ryan Woods as it would be a wise move to make this summer.
The Sun reported on Thursday that while Woods was unsettled at the Bees, he was willing to stay in the Championship rather than secure a move to the Premier League as long as he was handed a lucrative deal in the process.
The Daily Mirror have since claimed, via their Live Transfer Blog (Friday August 3 , 3:42) that Woods was closing in on a £6million move to the Liberty Stadium.
The Hammers should therefore quickly look to intervene as Woods could be a very smart signing given his talent and price tag this summer.
The Daily Mirror previously claimed that Manuel Pellegrini was looking to sign another midfielder before the window shuts and it seems likely they he will want one who is defensive-minded.
The Hammers lack options when it comes to choosing a defensive midfielder especially since the exit of Cheikhou Kouyaté to Crystal Palace.
Wood is naturally a defensive midfielder and has demonstrated that he is highly-talented prospect in his recent campaigns in the Championship.
The 24-year-old was a standout performer for Brentford last season and shone in the 40 appearances he made for the club.
Wood has the ability to control the tempo of games, a knack for reading his opponent’s minds in order to intercept the ball and showed during in his displays last season that he is an accurate passer of the ball.
The defensive midfielder is also an energetic presence in his side’s midfield and after the Hammers lacked legs in the centre of their team last season, Wood’s arrival would inject some much-needed energy into Pellegrini’s squad.
Given Wood’s age and how he continues to get better with each passing season then he is very likely to continue improving and looks worthy of stepping up to play in the Premier League.
If the 24-year-old moves to Swansea City, who will be a contender to win promotion following their relegation from the Premier League, then it’s very likely that Woods’ price tag could dramatically skyrocket by this time next summer if he aid’s their pursuit.
Therefore the Hammers would be wise to swoop for him now while his price tag is below the £10million mark as not only will he end up being bargain but he’d be able to help Pellegrini’s team succeed in their upcoming campaign.
