Former West Ham player Lee Bowyer wants to make a move to re-sign midfielder Josh Cullen for his Charlton side this summer, according to the South London Press.
The outlet report that Bowyer is keen to bring Cullen back to newly promoted Championship side Charlton, but it is believed the 23-year-old is likely to start the pre-season with the Hammers as he looks to assess his chances of being involved in Manuel Pellegrini’s plans next term.
Cullen spent last season on loan with Charlton from West Ham, and enjoyed an impressive campaign making 29 appearances as Bowyer’s side earned promotion back to the Championship through the League 1 play-offs.
OPINION
It will be interesting to see whether Cullen is given any opportunity to progress with West Ham’s first team during pre-season. However, it is unlikely that the midfielder will be featuring regularly in Pellegrini’s starting line-up next season, especially considering the likes of Declan Rice and Mark Noble were both impressive performers for the Hammers at the heart of midfield last term. Therefore it could be best for him to go out on loan again and play regular first team football to continue his development, and Charlton appears to be the perfect option for the 23-year-old. Moving back to the London club would reunite him with a manager in Bowyer who clearly believes in his ability, as well as mean Cullen would be able to play regular Championship football. Next season will be crucial for Cullen, with the midfielder needing to impress Pellegrini, either at the club or out on loan, if the midfielder is to have a chance of establishing himself as a first team player at the London Stadium in the coming years.