4 candidates to fill the Andy Carroll void at Upton Park
Published:With Andy Carroll sidelined for the first four months of the season and new signing Enner Valencia set to miss the start of the campaign, West Ham are desperate to add striking reinforcements in time for their Premier League opener against London rivals Tottenham.
And with reports suggesting the deal to bring Samuel Eto’o to Upton Park on a free transfer has broken down, the Hammers, who are 4/1 for relegation with Ladbrokes, are assessing different options with Stoke City star Peter Crouch and HNK Rijeka striker Andrej Kramaric all linked to the club.
But with the striker search in east London continuing Ladbrokes News have come up with four names that can fill the Carroll void. Over to you Sam…
Wilfried Zaha
With Louis van Gaal set to clear the decks at Old Trafford, Wilfried Zaha could find himself surplus to requirements as the 3-5-2 era sweeps through Old Trafford.
LVG sees Zaha as a striker in his new system but with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez all in front of the 21-year-old, his time could be up in Manchester.
Anyone know of a club looking for a young pacy striker on loan or on a permanent deal?
Step forward Mr Allardyce!
Gary Hooper
It’s no secret that the former Celtic man is looking for a swift getaway from Carrow Road with relegated Norwich looking to recoup the �5m they paid the Scottish giants for his services last summer.
The 26-year-old scored eight goals in 23 appearances to finish top goalscorer in a struggling Canaries side and West Ham could be his quick return ticket to English footballs topflight.
QPR, Aston Villa and Celtic have all been linked with a move for Hooper so Big Sam would have to act fast to secure his services.
Connor Wickham
In recent days the England under 21 international has been linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light after refusing to sign a new deal at the club.
With just one year remaining on his current deal Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has revealed Wickham will be sold if he does not sign a new contract.
And as reported yesterday on Ladbrokes News, Allardyce is ready to jump at the chance of bringing in the former Ipswich man.
The 21-year-old, who scored five goals to help Sunderland steer clear of relegation, would cost in the region of ��6m and would be an excellent replacement for Carroll.
Loic Remy
The French international was on the verge of completing a move to Liverpool before Brendan Rodgers pulled the plug on the deal due to a reported dodgy medical.
But beggars can’t be choosers in Allardyce’s position and Remy’s 14 goals in 26 appearances for Newcastle last season would be just the ticket for the Hammers.
The Toon Army have already revealed their interest in the Frenchman but with reports suggesting he is keen to play in London a move to West Ham could be ideal for both parties.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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