OPINION
West Ham must sign attacking midfielder Jack Payne in the summer as he has dominated League One while playing for Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United this season.
The 23-year-old joined Blackburn Rovers, who sit top of League One, on loan in January from Huddersfield Town.
Since being at Ewood Park, the dazzling playmaker has torn teams apart in the league in order for Tony Mowbray’s side to sit top of the table.
Payne has racked up three assists in 11 outings and more importantly has dictated the tempo of the game for his side, which has allowed them to steamroll their opponents.
Ahead of being at Blackburn Rovers, the Terriers opted to have the 23-year-old spend the first half of the campaign with Oxford United.
While at Oxford Payne played an impressive 34 times, scoring seven goals, while creating 12 in order to help them achieve a respectable position in the league.
For some reason or another, the Terriers don’t wish to give him an opportunity to play in the Premier League this season.
While it’s understandable that they don’t want to risk playing a young talent with no top-flight experience, Payne’s talent speaks for itself.
The 23-year-old was a necessary member of the Terriers’ Championship promotion-winning side last season, making 23 appearances.
Therefore he should have been handed an opportunity to play in the Premier League this season, as he would have surprised many.
However with that not being the case, West Ham should try and sign him in the summer as clearly the Terriers don’t realise the talent they have on their hands.
Payne could be available as his Huddersfield contract expires in 2019, and his club might opt to cash in on him in the summer in order to ensure he doesn’t leave for free at the end of his deal.
The Hammers, even if they end up in the Championship for next season, need young hungry talented midfielders to fill the voids in their depleted squad.
Payne can play as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, secondary striker and as well as feature on either flank.
So with the versatile 23-year-old proving his talent this season and still being young, David Moyes must add him to his summer shopping list.