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Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images
Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images

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Sam Allardyce urges West Ham to complete reported pursuit for England defender

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

Sam Allardyce has told TalkSPORT (Friday, 09:40am) that he believes Manchester City defender John Stones would be a good addition for West Ham United in the coming weeks – amid reported interest from the Hammers.

Stones, 26, is expected to leave Manchester City this summer after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola. Despite an injury to Aymeric Laporte, he started just 16 matches in all competitions.

that Arsenal have been overtaken by West Ham in a bid to buy Stones, and a bargain figure of just £20million could be organised to sign the former Barnsley defender – who is renowned for his ball-playing style.

Asked about West Ham potentially signing Stones, Allardyce stated that he believes Stones would be an ideal addition at the London Stadium – especially as it would see him reunite with former Everton boss David Moyes.

(Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC)

“David will know John, everyone is looking for the quality to play out from the back and John has that in abundance. He is very comfortable,” Allardyce said.

“It would be a good move for John and a good move for West Ham. They’ve worked together before and he is limited at West Ham. The price is a very good one.”

TBR’s view – Stones in, but who would he replace?

Issa Diop has been an excellent addition at centre-back since he joined the club from Toulouse, while Angelo Ogbonna remains a player that is consistent and experienced at the back.

Though Stones is a top, top defender – he would have his work cut out trying to get past both Diop and Ogbonna. Perhaps, Moyes may begin to use a three-man defence that may allow Stones to start in a new-look Hammers side.
(Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images )