West Ham unmoved by former Liverpool and Chelsea man’s wages
Published:The threat of relegation has never stopped West Ham from forking out on some hefty wages in order to stave off falling through the Premier League’s trap door.
Currently sat in 18th place, one point off safety and with one win to their name in the last nine league games, the Hammers are 8/5 shots with Ladbrokes to be relegated this season.
New recruits during the January shopping spree are therefore vitally important. However, where some teams try to hedge their bets financially, by signing players on tight wage budgets in order to alleviate any impending debts should the worst actually happen, West Ham are happy to fly in the face of danger.
After unsuccessful moves for high earners like Johnny Heitinga and Lacina Traore, while also courting Joleon Lescott, Sam Allardyce has earmarked Raul Meireles as another potentially costly recruit.
After spending time with both Liverpool and Chelsea, the tatted Portuguese midfielder would certainly have no trouble slotting straight back into Premier League life.
Having started just two of the last 11 games for Fenerbahce, Meireles would certainly be open to a move in order to get his career back on track too.
West Ham have a need for central-band reinforcement after both Joe Cole and Mohamed Diame came a cropper in the League Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City, with the latter’s injury thought to be serious after being stretchered off.
Throw into the mix the uncertain future of Ravel Morrison, who’s manager even admitted could be sold after receiving a transfer bid from Fulham for the former Manchester United man, and the need to bring in midfielders is becoming increasingly urgent.
It’s therefore good news that the move looks to be in an advanced stage, with Hammers’ executives said to be thrashing out personal terms with the 30-year-old. But the importance of keeping the player’s wages to a minimum is massive should Sam Allardyce fail in his bid to keep his side afloat.
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