Alan Curbishley has urged West Ham to splash the cash on a number nine to end their attacking rotation woes.
David Moyes has used Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen in that role, and former West Ham boss Curbishley believes it is the one key area which needs strengthening urgently.
“I don't think David has had an out-and-out number nine, with Antonio used wide left and wide, right, while Bowen has cut inside from that wide right position,” said Curbishley via Free Bets UK.
“They are yet to have an out-and-out centre forward that has come in and taken the mantle, so I think that’s their big priority, but that’s also where you spend the big money.
“They are stocked up very well in all the other positions, that just seems to be the main one which is lacking.”
Bowen has done his best to fill that number nine void after managing impressive nine goals across 16 games in all competitions.
While Curbishley waxed lyrical about the 26-year-old’s progress, he stressed that the former Hull man is not the long-term solution.
“When he came to the club, in certain respects you knew you were getting; a hardworking player and a good lad.
“But he has progressed so well. I’m not sure if he can play as an out-and-out centre-forward, and I think he prefers to make those late runs.
“Certainly, when he’s on the right-hand side, he can check back and cross a ball in. He’s one of those players that can always nick you a goal.
“He’s reliable as well, but I don’t think he’s a number nine. He could be a number 10, but I think West Ham’s priority in either the January or summer transfer window is to buy a number nine that can get you 15-20 goals.”
There is speculation that Moyes will step down from his role once his contract expires at the end of the season, and Curbishley says it could be a watershed moment in the club’s history.
“He’s done a fantastic job there. I know his contract Is up at the end of the season, and I don't know what's going to go on there.
“He’s saved the club from relegation, led them to a European trophy and into the top half of the Premier League.
“But the club and fans are very ambitious. There were 35,000 watching during my time at the club, now there’s 60,000.
“There are not many bigger grounds in the Premier League and the fans are expecting more. So, I think it’s a big summer ahead for David Sullivan and David Moyes in terms of the club’s direction.”
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