West Ham are interested in signing Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen in the summer, according to reports in the English media.
The former Liverpool and Swansea City player is also being targeted by Watford with the Potters making significant changes to their squad after a disappointing season in the Championship.
Fans on Twitter are questioning whether a move for Allen would be a good idea:
World class… said no one ever
— WHUlogical⚒ (@WHUlogical) 23 April 2019
Maybe a few years ago but definitely not now
— Martin Backhouse (@MartinBackhouse) 23 April 2019
Next level ?
— David Hughes (@DavidHu54131696) 23 April 2019
worrying trend looking at the caliber of players we are “linked with” this coming summer.
— Laurence Towler (@lawtowler86) 23 April 2019
Shocking, noble is miles better
— K (@MasuakuMagic) 23 April 2019
No thanks !
— Micky the Fish (@MickPenn2) 23 April 2019
Nice to see this change to a younger recruitment policy. We don’t need another player to pass the ball sideways
— Chris Coldicott (@ChrisColdicott) 24 April 2019
Why? He hasn’t exactly set the championship alight this season
— Stuart Dillon (@StuartDillon1) 23 April 2019
C’mon…
— Far Eastender (@woodcock277) 23 April 2019
Suits our play more than obiang, won’t be first choice, cheap what’s the big deal
— West Ham Ses (@SFWESTHAMUTD) 23 April 2019
— @john-westham (@jcwhu2) 23 April 2019
It’s hard to see where Allen would fit into West Ham’s midfield. He isn’t the most prolific in front of goal, having scored just six goals for Stoke this season.
In terms of assists, he hasn’t fared any better, with just three in all competitions. Captain Mark Noble has created more goals in the Premier League this campaign, while Declan Rice is a nailed on starter after a breakthrough season.
Strengthening depth in the middle of the park could be the reason, but Pedro Obiang or Jack Wilshere will probably need to be offloaded to make room. Whatever the thinking behind the reported interest, though, it hasn’t particularly caught the imagination of Hammers fans.