Not a Fab situation...
...BUT WE’LL BE OK WITH RICE & LUKASZ DEALS, SAYS MOYES
DAVID MOYES is refusing to panic over the West Ham futures of Declan Rice and Lukasz Fabianski.
England midfielder Rice is a transfer target for both Chelsea and Manchester United – and that interest will only get stronger until the 21-year-old is tied up on a new bumper deal.
Hammers keeper Fabianski, 35, (right) is also free to talk to clubs abroad next month, with only six months left on his contract.
Moyes admits it is tricky to hand out new deals amid the pandemic.
But the Hammers boss said: “Let me tell you, I’d hope I was experienced enough to make sure I was doing all the correct things – when it was needed and at the right times.
“All I can say is, yes, we’re in a good position.
“Covid is playing a part for a lot of clubs with any contracts getting given out just now.
“I’m hoping I don’t ever have to use the ‘R’ word this year, but, until you get 40 points, then you do have to sometimes.
“And, because the crowds aren’t there, it makes it really difficult for the owners – not just for our club, but for any club.” After the 3-0 defeat at Chelsea last Monday night, West Ham, who have 21 points from 14 games, host struggling Brighton.
The one problem for Moyes to solve is deciding who can fill the boots of top scorer Michail Antonio as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury.
Ivory Coast hitman Seb Haller is still not finding the n net regularly and Moyes says h he is looking at potential alternatives lt to lead the line. However, former Hull playmaker Jarrod Bowen – with four goals and two assists in the Premier League this term – is unlikely to be switched from wide right.
“Where we have a problem is a goalscoring centre-forward,” Moyes added. “If you look at his goals record for Hull City, Jarrod was normally 13, 14 or 15 a season as a wide player.
“He plays a similar role for us. We’re looking for goals and assists from him as it’s a big part of his game we rely on.
“He’s made the step up well, but there’s still more to come from him.
“He can continue to make improvements in his game.
“Yes, we’d like more goals from him, but he’s been consistent and we are pleased.
“Overall, he’s making a big contribution to the team.”
WEST HAM
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