Gossip: Martial or Rashford out, Griezmann in

Matt Stead

STRIKER SEARCH
‘Ambitious’ is the word Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph uses to describe West Ham’s pursuit of either Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford. The last time West Ham were ‘ambitious’ they wanted to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic and ended up with Simone Zaza. Perhaps reign it in a little, lads?

But that is the news on this fine Wednesday morning – that West Ham want a decent striker. Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi was considered, but the Premier League leaders are unwilling to do any sort of business for their Belgian.

Two successive wins have pulled West Ham clear of relegation danger, but they want to push further up the table now. Law writes:

‘Ideally, West Ham want to sign proven Premier League players in the New Year and have targeted Chelsea, United and Liverpool stars who are currently not regular first-team starters.’

That means Daniel Sturridge, for one. But in terms of Rashford, United could possibly be tempted to let him go on loan as the Hammers will play him through the middle and offer him regular first-team football. It is certainly more likely than landing Martial. There is no chance on that front.

 

GRIEZBALL
Who will United replace either striker with if they leave? Fortunately, The Sun already have the answer to that question.

In a Phil Cadden exclusive, it is claimed that one Antoine Griezmann will be targeted in the summer. They have already ‘opened talks’, apparently.

Any potential deal would ‘cost in excess of £60million’, which seems a given considering his release clause is over £80m.

Jose Mourinho wants the Frenchman because he is seeking ‘a No 10 with the talent and ability to link midfield to attack’. Griezmann is considered the ‘perfect catalyst’ to improve Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

It would be news if United didn’t want Griezmann. They would surely have to compete with Europe’s elite clubs in order to sign him.

 

FALL GAYA
Do you ever get the feeling that John Cross likes Arsene Wenger? How about when he crowbars in some news about his future when reporting that Arsenal want to sign Jose Gaya?

Apparently, the fact that the Gunners are pursuing Valencia left-back Gaya is the ‘biggest hint yet’ that Wenger will stay. Why? Because he is planning for the future with his transfers. And no outgoing manager has ever done that before.

The claim is that Arsenal are content with every spot in their squad other than left-back, where Nacho Monreal has suffered a drastic dip in form this season. His back-up, Kieran Gibbs, leaves plenty to be desired.

Gaya is 21, good, and, according to Cross, ‘regarded as one of the best prospects in Europe’.

 

 

AND THE REST
West Ham have pulled the plug on contract talks with Slaven Bilic as fears mount he could be axed after their poor first half of the season…Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez has been spotted at the British Embassy in Colombia ahead of potential move to Chelsea or Manchester United…Manchester United’s Ashley Young is wanted by six Premier League clubs – including his former side Watford…Hull are lining up Swansea star Jefferson Montero to replace wantaway Robert Snodgrass…Chelsea will reject loan offers for their 23-year-old Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi in January…West Brom are set to sign Aston Villa’s 28-year-old striker Rudy Gestede for £7m in January, with Villa lining up Brentford forward Scott Hogan, 24, as a replacement…Arsenal are interested in signing Standard Liege’s 22-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Guillaume Hubert and have sent scouts to watch him play six times this season…Sam Allardyce remains in Crystal Palace’s sights as a potential replacement for Alan Pardew.