West Ham United are expected to sign at least one midfielder in January, but an unexpected new name has entered the picture.
Stoke City are said to be looking to offload some of their highest earners next month, with Jack Butland already linked with a move to East London.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, Joe Allen is being targeted by West Ham in an £8million pursuit.
The report claims Burnley are also keen on the Wales international’s services but aren’t willing to match Stoke’s £15million valuation of their star man.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Now 29, Allen will be looking to play in the Premier League again before it’s too late and should a top-flight club come in for him, he may be tempted to make the move.
Especially considering Stoke currently languish near the bottom of the Championship, the chances of Allen moving on in January are fairly high.
He’d certainly add quality to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad, but at the same time you’ve got the question whether West Ham could be aiming for higher quality talent.
It’s out there, and going for the safe option in Allen may come across as a lack of ambition from the club.
It’d be an interesting signing though, and one that has a chance of going through.
