Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has made a West Ham January signing claim but it hinges on a David Moyes favourite leaving.
Ask any West Ham fan which position needs strengthening most in the January window and right-back will be right at the top of the list.
Left-back and striker wouldn’t be far behind either. But a new right-back is essential if West Ham are to turn their dreadful domestic campaign around.
So fans were naturally disappointed when Moyes recently told talkSPORT that he would not be looking to sign players in the winter window.
“Nah, I don’t think we will,” was Moyes’ blunt response on talkSPORT when asked if West Ham will strengthen during the window.
That was before defeats against Arsenal and Brentford left West Ham outside the bottom three by virtue of goal difference alone and Moyes clinging to his job.
The Hammers have been linked with a move for Man United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Now Sky Sports reporter Sheth has made a West Ham January signing claim but it hinges on a Moyes favourite leaving.
Vladimir Coufal has been a shadow of the player who hit the Premier League – and some of its best left wingers – like a Hammer when he first arrived.
He has never been the same player since his lay-off due to a hernia operation, though.
Nobody can ever question Coufal’s desire and commitment. He has often been hailed – alongside compatriot Tomas Soucek – as one of the key reasons behind West Ham’s success over the last couple of seasons with his attitude and professionalism.
But Coufal’s form on the pitch – like many of his teammates – has been way below the high standards he had set.
The problem is that Ben Johnson has been no better so Moyes has had to persist with the 30-year-old, who has been linked with a move away to the likes of Bayer Leverkusen.
Sheth says Coufal leaving is ‘one to watch’ in a Sky Sports window report which states that would enable Moyes to bring in a new right-back.
“West Ham have a few injury concerns in defence and do not want to let anyone go – however, right back Vladimir Coufal is growing increasingly frustrated with his limited game time,” Sheth said in the Sky Sports report.
“He could be one to watch in January…
“Because of their major summer influx, the Hammers will likely shift more players than they bring in this January. Should a squad player like Coufal leave due to a lack of game time, a new player in that position could be targeted.
“There is also room for a new midfielder to play as back-up to Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and (Lucas) Paqueta, with only Flynn Downes acting as adequate back-up.”
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