Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes Huddersfield Town ace Lewis O’Brien could replace Mark Noble at West Ham.
This comes as the Hammers, along with Crystal Palace, Wolves, Burnley. Norwich City and Leeds United, are all linked with the 23-year-old midfielder.
Set to retire at the end of the season and move into a board-level role, Noble will need replacing in David Moyes’ squad in the summer.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan suggested that O’Brien could be the ideal candidate.
Absolutely. I think a lot of clubs have been keeping tabs on him. I think when somebody retires, that shirt becomes available and that gap in the squad becomes available. It wouldn’t surprise me. David Moyes has often dipped into the Championship. He’s not been afraid of going there, getting a player, believing that he can deal with the Premier League demands and that he can turn him into a better player.
This season O’Brien has scored twice and registered two assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Noble has netted twice in 13 outings for the Irons – taking an overall tally to 62 strikes and 61 assists in 540 appearances for the club.
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Capable of operating as a box to box midfielder as well as in a defensive capacity, the English ace would be a positional match for Noble at least.
Having captained Huddersfield on numerous occasions, the man hailed as ‘very special’ by Carlos Corberan would appear to be an ideal candidate to arrive at the London Stadium and fill the sizeable boots of Mr. West Ham.
Valued at £2.7million and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), signing O’Brien would be a wholly affordable option for the club.
