Report: New West Ham boss David Moyes to target £12m-rated Championship star

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The Daily Express have claimed that new West Ham United manager David Moyes is keen on bringing Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen back to the Premier League in January – after the Welshman was previously linked under Manuel Pellegrini.

Allen, 29, has remained at Stoke since the Potters were relegated at the end of the 2017-18 campaign. He has now clocked up 146 appearances for the Stafforshire-based side, remaining a crucial part of the team under Michael O’Neill.

Earlier this month, The Daily Mail claimed West Ham were monitoring the £65k-a-week (Mail) midfielder’s availability ahead of the January window. Despite Manuel Pellegrini being sacked and Moyes coming in, West Ham are seemingly still keen.

Indeed, the latest report claims Moyes is keen to bring the former Liverpool midfielder to the London Stadium with a fee of £12million said to be enough to land the 53-time Wales international. He has a contract at Stoke until the summer of 2022.

TBR’s view – Allen is just what West Ham need in the middle

The Hammers need depth in the middle of the park. Jack Wilshere continues to struggle with injury and the chances are that he could leave in the next two windows. Carlos Sanchez has been an awful signing, and he could go, too.

Mark Noble remains ever-present but he is beginning to age. Declan Rice is also an option, but another central midfielder would give the Hammers less concern in the middle of the park. At £12million, Allen would be a top signing.