OPINION
The battle for the left-back spot at West Ham United looks like it has come to a halt now that Aaron Cresswell has staked his claim recently.
His current form has essentially kept Arthur Masuaku in the cold, after all, he has shown what a liability he can be with his defensive duties.
He offers basically nothing going forward either, which is why it makes sense to replace him as soon as possible.
One candidate that the Hammers must consider is Burnley left-back Stephen Ward.
Yes, he may be 33-years-old, but he is out of contract in the summer, which means he will be available for a relatively cheap fee this month if the Irons do not want to wait.
The veteran defender has not been a regular for Sean Dyche this season and has only made a total of nine appearances, but that does not do the experience that he has justice at all.
He has an incredible 141 Premier League appearances to his name so far, which is a staggering record – so West Ham would be extremely wise to snap him up while they still can.
The Clarets are unlikely to offer Ward an extension on his current contract due to his fringe role this season, so it looks like the Irons can have him all to themselves.
He is a much better option to have at left-back than the hopeless Masuaku, after all, his experience only speaks for itself.
Cresswell would also be sweating at the thought of Ward joining forces with the club, but seeing as the position has been rather weak in recent seasons, signing the player is pretty much a no-brainer.
The Irons would then have a formidable defence with Ward in the mix – so Pellegrini must plot a raid on his rivals that will leave the West Ham supporters drooling.
