Just when people were forgetting Sam Allardyce’s world-class savviness in the transfer market, he’s transformed West Ham’s entire philosophy – not to mention improving their league standing by nine places – on a summer budget of just £27million.But to keep ahead in the market you have to play the long-game, so the Hammers gaffer is probably already making preparations for next summer, when thoseÂPremier League stars who have failed to assure their top flight survival will be looking to jump ship quicker than Jack Sparrow.With that in mind, here’s a list of FIVE relegation-bound stars, currently with the Premier League’s bottom five clubs, that the West Ham boss should already have his eyes on.
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Mile Jedinak
Attritional in style yet unquestionably effective, Sam Allardyce loves battle-hardened midfield warriors like Mile Jedinak.
The Aussie skipper’s performances and goals have been the difference between Crystal Palace and the relegation zone this season, featuring in every minute of the Eagles’ Premier League campaign barring last weekend against Manchester United, where he served a one-match suspension.
He’s netted thrice in ten outings this term; most tellingly, two of those goals have come amid Palace’s solitary two wins this season – back-to-backs against Everton and Leicester City.
But that hardly paints the full picture of Jedinak’s qualities; he’s proved himself to be one of the Premier League’s best at winning the ball in the middle of the park:
Here’s a look at his vitals:
Incredibly, that’s seen statistics gurus Opta rate him as the best midfielder in Europe this season:
Should Palace fail to beat the drop come May-time, a host of top flight sides will be queuing up for the Australian international.
The south Londoners protected the 30-year-old’s value by tying him down to a three-and-a-half-year contract last December however, so whether Jedinak can be prized away from Selhurst Park for a justifiable fee remains to be seen.
CHARLIE AUSTIN
Sam Allardyce suddenly finds himself privy to an embarrassment of riches in the final third, but the opportunity to snap up QPR striker Charlie Austin at the end of the season is too good to ignore.
West Bromwich hotshot Saido Berahino’s earned an England call-up off the back of becoming the Premier League’s leading English goalscorer, but Austin’s only one strike (from one less appearance) behind:
Furthermore, some of the former non-leaguer’s finishes this season have been absolutely stunning. Take this worldie against Southampton for example:
Or this instinctive back-heel against Chelsea:
Or even this cool finish against Aston Villa:
Having risen through the lower leagues via the power of his prolific goal-tally, the 25-year-old comes with a unique grittiness and physicality.
Now proving his potency in the Premier League, too, it would be madness if a top flight club didn’t try to poach him upon QPR’s potential relegation this season – then again, the 6 foot 2 striker’s goals could be enough to ensure the west London outfit’s survival.
RON VLAAR
Aston Villa haven’t dropped out of the top flight since 1987, but that impressive feat could end this season as the Birmingham outfit find themselves just two points off the relegation zone, netting just twice since August.
It appears a number of their key players are already considering jumping ship, particularly contract rebels Ron Vlaar and Fabian Delph, who are yet to extend their current terms past the end of the campaign:
The Dutchman in particular could be an important signing for the Hammers – especially if star centre-back Winston Reid, currently amid a contract dispute of his own, is snapped up by a top club either in January or next summer.
There are certainly more talented defenders out there than Concrete Ron, but he’s as tough as, well…concrete, and the 29-year-old’s World Cup performances for the Netherlands verged upon world-class. Here are Vlaar’s highlights from Brazil 2014:
//www.youtube.com/embed/KElFlYKBcUY?rel=0
He’s never quite replicated that form at Villa Park, but a natural leader with a simple-yet-effective, old-fashioned style of defending, greater quality surrounding the 6 foot 2 centre-half could well bring out the best in him.
Furthermore, as the Villains are flat-out refusing to sell their skipper in January:
…the Hammers can snap him up on a free transfer next summer.
KIERAN TRIPPIER
They say that, from a tactical perspective, full-back is now the most important position on the pitch, so it’s no great coincidence that West Ham fans are suddenly overawed by their side’s new-found attacking philosophy following a summer window in which Sam Allardyce brought in new faces at No.2 and No.3.
Right-back Carl Jenkinson, however, is only at Upton Park on a year-long loan from Arsenal, and there’s no guarantees he’ll sign for the east Londoners permanently. Should that be the case, Allardyce would be wise to quickly shift his attentions towards Burnley’s Kieran Trippier.
Very much the Aaron Cresswell of the right-hand side last season, the Turf Moor defender contributed an incredible 14 assists to Burnley’s promotion campaign – the most of any player in the Championship:
He’s not quite matched that proficiency going forward this year as Sean Dyche’s side continue to struggle for goals, but the 24 year-old’s form has remained impressive. Here’s a look at his vitals compared to the Hammers’ other full-back options:
Despite recording their first win of the season against Hull City last weekend, Burnley look dead-certs to go down. That could be enough to instigate Trippier’s departure from Turf Moor, but having only penned new terms in the summer, the Clarets are under no obligation to sell. Here’s the former England U21 in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/TxwZOT3hRpA?rel=0
RIYAD MAHREZ
Arriving at the King Power stadium in January 2014, former Le Havre winger Riyad Mahrez added that little bit of extra quality to ensure Leicester City claimed last season’s Championship title.
He’s been one of their stand-out performers in the Premier League too, especially offensively, as detailed below:
The Algerian international’s mixture of flamboyance, prolific pace and industry, combining tricky runs with full-blooded tackles, particularly stand out, and it’s no surprise that the Foxes have only claimed three points in Mahrez’ absence this season – that legendary, anomalous win against Manchester United – compared to six with him in the side.
Here’s a look at the wideman’s stats over the last few campaigns:
And a clip of him in action this season:
//www.youtube.com/embed/AU4OFhEJLN0?rel=0
To the frustration of the Leicester supporters, Mahrez isn’t guaranteed a spot in Nigel Pearson’s starting line-ups, so even if the Midlands outfit were to beat the drop this season, it’s likely they can be convinced to sell.
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