'I'd hate to see it' - Exclusive: McAvennie reacts to big West Ham contract update

Frank McAvennie has tipped West Ham to offer Mark Noble a coaching position at the expiration of his current contract.

The former Irons and Celtic striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, urged the 33-year-old not to "go down the leagues" over the next few years as players will target him.

The Hammers captain has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the London Stadium and Football Insider understands that there are no plans to offer him a new deal.

The centre-midfielder has featured 33 times this season and scored four goals.

McAvennie, having met Noble on numerous occasions, believes he would relish the chance to stay at the club beyond his playing career.

"I only met Mark a few times and I think he would like to go into coaching," he told Football Insider. "He is Mr. West Ham.

"Take if from me, you do not want to go down the leagues. I have seen other players like Charlie Nicholas go down the leagues and people want to kick lumps out of you because you are a name.

"I would hate to see Mark going to a first division club because he has played 500 games for West Ham and people will go, "I'll sort you out."

"I suspect Mark would want to go into coaching and I would like the club to keep him on."

Mark Noble was coy when asked about the prospect of going into management: "Never say never.

"I love the game and I love the football club so I can never say never."

In other West Ham news, it can be REVEALED that club are close to sealing £17.5million signing after breakthrough in talks.

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