Sources: Moyes planning to axe West Ham 'untouchable' after signing sealed
David Moyes is planning to phase Alphonse Areola into his starting XI and make him the new West Ham number one over the coming weeks, Football Insider has learned.
The Frenchman, 28, became the second Hammers summer signing when he joined from Paris Saint-Germain on a loan-to-buy deal.
He has started the new campaign on the bench with long-established number one Lukasz Fabianski starting all three Premier League matches to date.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider that Moyes intends to phase Areola into the starting XI when he is convinced he is ready.
That is not expected to be too far away, even if Fabianski keeps his place for Saturday's Premier League trip to Southampton.
The plan when the former Fulham loanee was signed at the end of July was for him to become the first choice after a wait of around five to 10 matches.
It will mean ending Fabianski's "untouchable" status, which has been intact ever since he signed from Swansea City in the summer of 2018.
The Poland international, 36, has started every league match when fit during his three-and-a-bit seasons at the London Stadium.
Areola represents the stiffest competition he has had for his place after a concerted pursuit from the Irons hierarchy.
Fabianski has conceded five goals from his three West Ham matches this season.
He let in two apiece against Newcastle United and Crystal Palace, and one in the win over Leicester City.