West Ham tipped to snub Alphonse Areola and sign ‘outstanding’ international after £12m update – pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped West Ham to launch a move to sign Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope as an “ideal replacement” for Lukasz Fabianski.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland defender suggested the 30-year-old’s Premier League experience could see David Moyes move for him over a permanent deal for Alphonse Areola.
As reported by the Times (19 April), West Ham are considering a move for Pope should Burnley go down this season.
The Clarets would reportedly seek a £12million fee, while West Ham have the option to sign Areola permanently for £10.5million.
Hutton tipped Moyes to move for the England international despite the Frenchman’s “outstanding” Europa League displays.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “£12million? He’s an international goalkeeper. I know he’s not played all the time but he’s still been in squads.
“He’s been one of the main players in previous seasons to keep Burnley in the league with some outstanding performances.
“West Ham have obviously got a vision of where they want to be and I think you have build from a solid foundation.
“Fabianski is not getting any younger, they need to look to the future. I think that’d be an ideal replacement.
“Areola, it’s been a good opportunity for David Moyes to see what he’s capable of. Is he capable of playing week in, week out in the Premier League? Can he step into those shoes?
“He’ll be evaluating him all the time. He’s been outstanding in the Europa League. Some of his saves have been incredible. That certainly could help him.
“But I think Nick Pope, his presence, his know-how within the league, Moyes might edge towards that.”
In other news, expert claims West Ham star’s season may be over as injury confirmed.