West ham manager Sam Allardyce has today claimed that the probability of defender Winston Reid signing a contract extension at the club is “highly unlikely”. Allardyce went on to say:
"There is no future for Winston Reid at West Ham United at the moment because his contract finishes.
"The only thing is that his contract finishes June 30. He hasn't said he is going to sign and he hasn't said he is isn't.”
Allardyce has insisted he would not sell the defender for less than £20million this window and has noted “We have had no approaches”. Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the New Zealand defender for some time and perhaps big Sam may want to sell him this window rather than letting him leave on a free transfer in the summer.
In other news Arsenal are preparing themselves for the loan departure of Yaya Sanogo. Arsene Wenger is hoping for a Premier League switch for the French forward.
“Yaya is here at the moment. He needs more experience at the top level in the Premier League. He’s ready to play but we have so many options up front that it’s difficult to play.”
Sanogo has been linked with a move to France with teams such as Bordeaux interested. When asked about this, Wenger responded saying:
“Personally, I said that many times I prefer the Premier League. That’s still the case.”
Wenger was quick to separate Sanogo from Podolski, the latest Gunner to depart the Emirates:
“He is different from Podolski, Podolski was frustrated, he’s going to Inter Milan. Sanogo is searching for experience.”
Sanogo has struggled for game time this season so perhaps a switch may be ideal for the young forward in order for him to gain experience and grow into a quality central striker in the Premier League.
Finally, Arsenal have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Legia Warsaw’s Krystian Bielik after the Polis side rejected the Gunners’ second bid according to the Daily Star. Arsenal had an apparent £1.6million bid rejected for the young 16 year old starlet.
Bielik recently spoke about Arsenal’s first bid for the midfielder saying:
"I'd like to go and try it, but on the other hand, I approach it calmly. Clubs haven't agreed yet. Nothing is signed. I heard that Legia has rejected Arsenal, but apparently the first offer is always rejected."
Bielik himself has expressed his admiration for Wenger’s side but admits he is nervous of a switch to the premier league:
"I'm not saying that I expect to be in the Arsenal starting XI, but I would like to be an important and positive figure in the eyes of coach Wenger."
"I confess that I'm a little bit afraid," he said. "Only a madman would have no concerns about it.
"However, you have to be confident, and I'm sure in myself and my abilities.”
If a deal can be ironed out between the two clubs, it seems as though Beilik would fancy his chances at the North London club.