West Ham need to join chase for Yaya Toure
Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Manchester City - London Stadium, London, Britain - April 29, 2018 West Ham United's Pablo Zabaleta with Manchester City's Yaya Toure after the match Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
It’s clear massive changes are needed at West Ham this season and it’s also no secret that the Hammers need to bolster their options in midfield.
The loan capture of Portugal international Joao Mario from Inter Milan has been largely uninspiring, while many will feel similar about links to the likes of Joe Allen, who’s just been relegated with Stoke City.
If the Hammers are really keen on bolstering their midfield ranks, then they need to be eyeing a player of a significantly higher calibre – and they have a golden opportunity on the market for them this summer.
Yaya Toure has revealed he is set to leave Premier League champions Manchester City at the end of the season and the Ivory Coast international is a player that ticks all of the boxes for West Ham.
The Daily Mirror states Everton, Burnley and newly-promoted Wolves are eyeing a move for the 34-year-old, who is keen to remain in the Premier League, and West Ham should definitely join the hunt.
Despite his age, Toure still has the capability to play at Premier League level and he’d slot in perfectly to the Hammers ranks, providing the grit and steel that West Ham are seeking, as well as an eye for goal and the ability to find a killer pass.
With Toure sat feeding balls through to Manuel Lanzini, Marko Arnautovic and Michail Antonio, West Ham’s attack would become increasingly deadly and he would also provide additional protection to a frail defensive line.
The key factor, however, is that he wouldn’t cost a penny in transfer fees and is the sort of player fans could rally behind, as it would make a major statement of intent as to where West Ham want to be.