Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck in action. (Getty Images)
Back in January, Sky Sports claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Sheffield United midfield ace John Fleck in the January transfer window.
John Fleck, 27, has been a key player for Sheffield United, who currently sit second in the Championship table. He was named Sheffield United’s Player of the Season last term and his performances this campaign has been very good as well.
With the 27-year-old excelling in the Blades’ engine room, should West Ham rekindle their interest in him?
Absolutely, they should. West Ham are challenging for a place in Europe in Manuel Pellegrini’s first season at the London Stadium. So attention should turn to building for the next season as we are just eight games away for the completion of the 2018/19 campaign.
Club legend Mark Noble isn’t getting any younger, while the likes of Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez have spent the majority of the season on the treatment table. Declan Rice has been the only consistent figure in West Ham’s midfield and to some extent Noble but as he is getting older, Pellegrini should start planning for the future.
The Hammers certainly need to be bringing in some quality players this summer, and at least one new midfielder should be in Pellegrini’s wishlist. Fierce in the tackle, a good reader of the game and capable of coming with the odd goals, John Fleck could be exactly what the Londoners need.
Fleck is a combative midfielder who does the dirty work in the middle of the park, whilst protecting the back four. He is energetic, dogged and works really hard for the team. The Scotsman’s power and drive from the midfield keeps Sheffield United ticking all over.
One of his key attributes is his wonderful range of passing, which allows him to dictate the tempo of the game, keep things working in the midfield and switch the play to set up attacks. Calmness, consistency and flexibility are other attributes the 27-year-old would bring to the table, and that kind of determined player is what Pellegrini needs in the middle of the park.
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Furthermore, Fleck’s presence would be a huge asset to the Hammers, with Rice and Wilshere certain to benefit from the Scotsman’s qualities, should Pellegrini deploy a three-man midfield.
But as Sheffield United are gunning for promotion and if they achieve their objective, it would be tough to lure Fleck away from the Bramall Lane to the London Stadium.
So, West Ham will be praying that the Blades don’t get promoted to the top-flight which will make it easier to get their icy hands on Fleck.