Top 5 West Ham fire-sale players – Newcastle, Tottenham and Arsenal would be interested

For sale?

Personally, I am not convinced that West Ham will be handing over money to Sheffield United this side of 2020 with all the expected appeals, but this morning’s newspapers are full of stories that the Hammers will be forced to sell their star players in January.

Here is a rundown of the potential movers and shakers:

1. Robert Green
Green has carved a reputation as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League, and with his injury problems hopefully now behind him there would be a few clubs interested in his services. As one of the Hammers’ most prized assets he could be first through the door.

Who would be interested? Arsene Wenger has long been looking for a consistent performer for his Arsenal side, Aston Villa were interested in the summer as were Tottenham.

2. Dean Ashton
Ashton has had terrible luck with injuries, but the Hammers always look a better team with him in the side. A strong, physical forward with good skills and an eye for goal – a precious commodity in the Premier League.

Who would be interested? Sir Alex Ferguson might want to add a bit more bulk to his attack at Manchester United, Aston Villa and Tottenham are reportedly long-term admirers, Everton might also be in the mix.

3. Mark Noble
The young midfielder has established himself as a West Ham regular and caught the eye of some of the top clubs. The Hammers would be reluctant to see him leave, but again he is one of the players who could demand a high fee.

Who would be interested? Arsenal have been looking for some young Brit grit for their midfield. They signed Ramsey instead in the summer, but they might be interested at the right price.

4. Luis Boa Morte
Morte never really hit it off with the West Ham crowd and he’s not a player they would be too sad to see leave. His stock has not risen during his time at Upton Park and they would have to expect to make a loss on the £5 million they spent on him.

Who would be interested? Anyone from mid-table downwards. Expect Wigan, Hull and Stoke to be sniffing around.

5. Matthew Upson
A player West Ham would look to hold onto, not only because he is a quality player but also because of their chronic lack of defenders. At the right price they might have to consider letting the ex-Arsenal man go though.

Who would be interested? If they have new owners, Newcastle could make a move, Steve Bruce brought Upson to Birmingham and might like him at Wigan, and a host of other clubs no doubt.

Topics: Arsenal, Aston Villa, English Premier League, Everton, Football Transfers, Hull City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Stoke City, Tottenham, West Ham, Wigan

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11 Comments

  1. Manager

    Calum Davenport, Lucas Neill, Scott Parker, Valon Behrami anyone?

    September 24th, 2008 @ 12:16
  2. Dave Hall

    If West Ham were going to sell key players due to the Sheffield utd business, it would have happened with the sale of Ashton and Bellamy in the summer, because BG had an idea our the Tevez business could have turned out. It’s just the mindless newspapers doing what they do best…talk crap

    September 24th, 2008 @ 13:09
  3. tom e13

    On behalf of West Ham, I beseech all of you to kindly f*ck off. The vultures may pick the bones of our club once more, but we are keeping Noble.

    September 24th, 2008 @ 13:25
  4. lifelongiron

    We will not sell our top players just because of this and we don’t even know yet wat is happening. Its just bullshit tht they can seriously pin us for this cos anything could’ve happened with or without tevez. No-one said anything the first 20 games of the season when tevez was largely ineffective, it was only when he scored a goal or two evry1 started to take notice and complain. Seriously Sheff U are embarrassing, just trying to cover up their shit team by creating issues. If we didn’t have tevez tht season we may have gone on to qualify for uefa again or something, Alan Pardew could still be manager and we could have a very talented squad even though we have tht now. Many things could be different so this issue with us gaining three less points is an absolute joke!!

    September 24th, 2008 @ 13:38
  5. Ahmed Bilal

    Today’s studs-up comes to mind…

    September 24th, 2008 @ 16:26
  6. Ding Dong

    Is there any player that Spurs aren’t supposedly linked with?

    September 24th, 2008 @ 16:30
  7. hollis

    Well Ding Dong, when you have a club down at the bottom of the table with enough in the kitty to make their ambitions seem somewhat feasible they will be linked with any player that can help realise those ambitions.

    September 24th, 2008 @ 16:52
  8. Marleeeen depreciation society

    more pony than a barbie factory

    September 24th, 2008 @ 22:02
  9. iqnadirshah

    Dean Ashton is one class player. He is really unfortunate with injuries. I have always thought he would do really well at Arsenal or Man U……………..

    September 25th, 2008 @ 01:21
  10. Hammer man

    U can have ashton and boa morte but we keep the rest!

    September 25th, 2008 @ 08:00
  11. Mr Moom

    Even if West Ham did have to pay SU the £30m, I doubt they’d have to pay in one lump sum straight away. It would probably be over at least 3 years.

    September 25th, 2008 @ 09:16

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