West Ham are set to open talks on selling midfielder Josh Cullen to Charlton Athletic on a permanent deal, according to Claret & Hugh.
The Hammers site claim the east Londoners are ready to discuss terms with the League One outfit ahead of the January window and that the transfer looks “nailed on”.
Claret & Hugh report Charlton manager Lee Bowyer is keen to tie up a full-time deal for Cullen, who joined on loan at the end of August.
Good move for West Ham?
Selling academy products, especially to London rivals, never goes down well with supporters, especially at a club like West Ham, where there is such a tradition of home-grown talent. Cullen was involved with West Ham in pre-season but Manuel Pellegrini had a good look at him and eventually gave the green light for a season-long loan. The 22-year-old has played six games for Charlton and has secured a regular starting spot, something that looks beyond him at his parent club, where he has made a relatively meagre nine first-team appearances. There is a sense it is time for the 5ft 9in central midfielder (source: Transfermarkt) to move on to pastures new.
This Is Futbol rating 4/10
Likely to happen?
The Hammers site is a reliable one for news about the club, and they are very confident about Cullen making the short journey from east to south London a permanent one. Expect this deal to gather some legs ahead of the January window.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10