West Ham eyeing double summer swoop on Old Trafford
Published:
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is planning an audacious double swoop on Old Trafford this summer, with two Irons old boys in the frame for an Upton Park return.
According to online publication Caught Offside, Big Sam has his eyes set on veteran centre back Rio Ferdinand and accomplished midfielder Michael Carrick.
Ferdinand has been used sparingly at Old Trafford this season as a result of niggling injuries and United manager David Moyes looking to the future by increasingly playing Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
Retirement looks a more likely option for the former England captain but Allardyce will hope to pull on the Peckham man’s emotional heartstrings for one last hurrah at the Boleyn Ground.
West Ham flirted with a relegation battle earlier this season but are now 5/1 shots for a top 10 finish and Allardyce will hope that Ferdinand’s experience at the back will allow the east London club to hit the ground running next term.
The capture of Carrick could perhaps be more problematic, with the former Tottenham man one of just a few United players to have enhanced their credentials this term.
The 32-year-old has made 34 appearances for the Red Devils this season and is unlikely to covet a move from Old Trafford at this stage of his career.
However, Moyes is expected to ring the changes with a £150m+ shopping spree this summer and with the midfield his biggest priority, Carrick could be moved on in order to offer increased game time to any new recruits.
Despite Carrick’s efforts, United have looked a shadow of their former selves for much of the season and are now a distant 33/1 to secure a top four finish.
While he is certainly not to blame, Moyes’ liking of Belgian teammate Maourane Fellaini means Allardyce could yet get his man.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
