David Moyes reportedly visits Fulham’s Championship win over Leeds on Tuesday to watch several potential West Ham transfer targets. The Hammers tried to sign Cottagers’ stars Tom Cairney and Ryan Fredericks in January. Popular West Ham Twitter account ExWHUemployee also indicated that Moyes may be keen on Aleksander Mitrovic.
Moyes Seeks West Ham Transfer Targets at Craven Cottage
West Ham took a big step towards safety on Saturday with a 3-0 win over relegation rivals Southampton. They now have a five-point cushion over the relegation places with seven games left to play. David Moyes, only contracted until the end of the season, appears to be using the win to prepare for a potential summer spending spree. What could his potential Fulham targets bring to his team?
Mitrovic the Reformed Forward
The Serbian striker has been a revelation since joining Fulham on loan from Newcastle. He has eight goals in 11 appearances. The Forward has clearly settled quickly in West London under the guidance of Fulham manager, and compatriot, Slavisa Jokanovic. The striker also appears to have tempered his disciplinary issues. He was famously banned retrospectively after elbowing Manuel Lanzini when Newcastle played West Ham last August.
Mitrovic will be treated with caution by many West Ham fans who have seen plenty of promising strikers struggle before their eyes. At 23, however, he has time on his side to develop. Moyes may see him as a replacement for the struggling Javier Hernandez. Mitrovic scored twice for his country last week and had a third unfairly ruled out. A good World Cup could see his stock rise. Moyes made need to move quickly if he likes what he saw at Craven Cottage.
Cairney the Creative Midfielder
Fulham reportedly rejected two bids from West Ham for Tom Cairney in January as the Hammers looked to add to their creative midfield options. West Ham have struggled in recent seasons to find the right balance in the middle of the pitch. Cairney could provide the answer. The 27-year-old offers goals and assists, he scored 12 in the Championship last season. He’s also had a hand in six goals in the last six games as Fulham have emerged as late-season promotion contenders.
West Ham’s previous interest could count against them, however, as Fulham have already shown they are willing to drive a hard bargain for their captain. The key for the Hammers will be whether Fulham’s dreams of a Premier League return materialises in May. If they don’t the player may want to take his chance and push for a move.
Fredericks the New Full-Back Option
Former Tottenham full-back, perhaps the less well known of the three, Ryan Fredericks has already attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Swansea were reportedly having a good look at the player who is out of contract at the end of the season. Fredericks is a dynamic attacking full-back and could be exactly what Moyes is looking for. The potential of a free transfer will also be an attractive prospect for the Scot.
Moyes has shown a desire to play with wing-backs this season and West Ham have looked a better side when Masuaku has attacked down the left. Zabaleta has relied on experience on the right-hand side, but the Hammers may want to look at a younger, quicker option, especially considering Sam Byram’s continued injury problems.
An Uncertain Few Months for the Hammers
There is still a lot of uncertainty for the Hammers this season. Moyes’ future at the club is unlikely to be revealed until the end of the season. Some tough remaining fixtures could also see West Ham back in a relegation dogfight. A proactive approach to the West Ham transfer targets, however, could win Moyes a few fans. The backing of supporters critical of the club’s recent transfer dealings could leave him in pole position to begin a new era at the London Stadium.
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