OPINION
It appears as if West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has realised that his team need reinforcements in central midfield – not before time, too.
Somebody needs to come in a secure a spot next to Declan Rice in central midfield, because Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang have been too inconsistent this season.
It will come as a relief to Hammers fans, then, to see the club linked with Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck on Monday. Sky Sports claim on their transfer centre [28/01; 14:56] that talks have been held between the two clubs over a £4million deal for the Blades star.
Fleck, while not a flashy name, is someone the club desperately need. He is a model of consistency, an indefatigable worker who covers every blade of grass.
At 27 years of age he is in the prime of his career, as demonstrated by his winning Sheffield United’s Player of the Season award last campaign.
Fleck has been key in United’s rise from League One to third place in the Championship, anchoring the midfield with typically industrious performances. To pair his energy with Rice’s would be tremendous, creating a maelstrom in central midfield that would be hard to overcome.
He is an underrated player on the ball, too. He has a good range of passing and is able to dictate games from the middle of the park. That would pair well with Rice, as well.
At £4million he would be an absolute snip – we’re talking bargain of the season territory. To get someone who has been one of the second tier’s best players for the past 18 months for just £4million would be a phenomenal bit of business for the Hammers.
Let’s hope they can get this deal over the line, then, because Fleck would be an excellent addition.
