Opinion from the stands

Pellegrini could complete masterstroke with Azah swoop

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Image for Pellegrini could complete masterstroke with Azah swoop

OPINION

The transfer window may have slammed shut last Thursday, but that does not stop clubs keeping tabs on players who they could potentially make a move for in January.

The Daily Mail report that West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are all plotting a potential raid for Republic of Ireland youth international Elvis Azah.

Boss Manuel Pellegrini now needs to complete a masterstroke by sweeping his league rivals aside and securing the capture of the attacking youngster.

It is hard to get excited by the exploits of a player who is just 17-years-old, but Azah has attracted the attention of three Premier League clubs for a reason.

He has spent pre-season with newly-promoted Cardiff City, netting two goals against the Irons in an under-18 friendly.

Even though he is young, Azah is touted for being a versatile player – he is comfortable playing on either flank or further forward if necessary.

If West Ham did manage to secure his services – and they must do everything they can in order to do so – Pellegrini would certainly have a future star on his hands.

Obviously he would not get near the first team straight away, which is a given at his age – but with the appropriate guidance in the youth system, he would be ready to take the Premier League by storm in the next few years.

Spurs and Arsenal undoubtedly provide stern competition for the ace’s signature, but West Ham is the perfect destination for him to improve as a player.

Once he has learned the trade, he would combine magnificently with the likes of Felipe Anderson or Andriy Yarmolenko, which is surely a prospect that would leave Pellegrini rubbing his hands together with excitement.

Now all he needs to do is swoop for the attacker on the radar of his rivals in what would be a masterstroke for the future of the club.

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