West Ham are lining up a swoop to bring Stoke midfielder Joe Allen to the London Stadium in January, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper report that David Moyes has identified Wales international Allen as one of his main targets for next month’s transfer window as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of their relegation scrap.
The Mirror claim that Allen’s versatility is key to the Hammers’ interest, with the 27-year-old able to play in both a deep-lying and attacking midfield role.
It is said that a deal may be hard to reach, with workhorse Allen so key to current club Stoke’s hopes since joining from Liverpool in 2016.
Good move for West Ham?
Allen is exactly the kind of player that Moyes needs at the club, with his Premier League and international experience key to making an instant impact if he is signed.
The diminutive midfield man has been a quietly impressive performer since his days at Swansea, and undoubtedly has many admirers in the division.
Allen’s no-nonsense play and hard work, both in a defensive and attacking sense, means it is no surprise to see Moyes chasing him in January.
If West Ham were able to secure a deal for Allen in January, it would be a brilliant way of kicking off their push to avoid relegation in the second half of the season.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
In all honesty, unless West Ham stump up a bid that Stoke cannot refuse, then this one is surely not likely to happen.
Allen is one of Stoke’s most consistent performers, and has been since his arrival, so for Mark Hughes to let him go at this point in the season would be highly improbable.
This is particularly true when you consider both club’s position in the table. Stoke are in 13th on 20 points, only two points above the Hammers in 17th.
To let your key man go to a direct rival for relegation would be a grave error, and one that Hughes is unlikely to make.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10