Hammers make surprise offer for midfielder in final week of transfer window

West Ham United have had a rough start to their 2017 campaign. In their most recent victory over League Two side, Cheltanham, the squad looked oddly senior compared to what many were anticipating. Sure, Declan Rice got the nod, but Bilic brought the heat against an apparently terrifying League Two side. Understand however, the U23’s did just play a few nights ago, still, it seemed a wasted opportunity to showcase some of the other youth players alongside the veterans.

If you haven’t been excited to see the shuffling of Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang, and Edimilson Fernandes this summer so far, you’re not alone. The trio have been less than impressive, reminding everyone how a much needed upgrade at midfield should be looming. With the William Carvalho and Danilo talks ongoing, David Sullivan and company have made an offer for Sunderland pitch-runner, Didier Ndong.

More than likely, the bid was made to put pressure on the Portuguese sides in an attempt to force a move. However, this might be more than just a kindling, perhaps something that could actually catch fire. Sunderland paid a club record £13.6 million fee for the former Lorient playmaker, an investment that left many Black Cats fans licking their paws at the end of the season. A wage that high in the Championship is undoubtedly excessive, and Sunderland have been eager to recoup the funds spent on the 23 year old.

Sure, Sunderland didn’t play well enough to save their Premier League lives, but Didier Ndong played well enough to garner attention from all over Europe. Hammers look to be in competition with Lyon, who are trying to lure him back to France. While Lyon look to be the front-runners in this particular race, this has been a transfer windows that’s surprised many. David Sullivan has proven to be more than persuasive.

Personally, I think this should be option Z. I’m not a fan of the young Gabon midfielder. He failed to impress in the Premier League last season, even with a less that stellar supporting cast around him. If West Ham are going to strengthen the midfield, part of that means entails improving on what you currently have. I’m not convinced Ndong is better than Mark Noble or Edimilson Fernandes. Heck, even Declan Rice is a better option at this point. Here’s to hoping this is a last ditch effort to force pressure onto Porto and Sporting Lisbon.

Would Didier Ndong be a suitable upgrade for you?