Pundit issues toxic West Ham training ground claim after source’s Tomas Soucek update
Noel Whelan has insisted West Ham must get rid of Tomas Soucek this summer for the good of the squad.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 27-year-old could become a toxic presence on the training ground after a falling out with David Moyes.
As revealed by Football Insider last month (26 May), the Irons will listen to offers for Soucek with contract talks stalling and tensions rising between player and manager.
A Tottenham source told this site (2 June) that the north Londoners have been offered the chance, via agents, to sign the midfielder.
Football Insider revealed back in February that talks were underway over a new contract, with his current terms running until 2024
However, Whelan warned keeping Soucek on board could have a negative impact on the rest of the Hammers’ squad in training.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You’ve got to look at the right situation for the rest of the squad as well. You don’t want a player that’s unhappy there – you feel that disappointment in him when he comes into training – because it can spread very quickly.
“You never want to lose a player like that. Sometimes it’s better to cut someone loose than have somebody at the training ground with a face like a slapped bum at times.
“It’s not good for the rest of the players and that togetherness. The togetherness they have built over these past two, three years with David Moyes.”
Soucek initially joined West Ham on loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020.
He turned his stay permanent that summer and has 105 appearances under his belt so far.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal West Ham have made an approach to sign Premier League attacker.