Former West Ham star Bowyer is impressing as manager of Charlton Athletic.
Former West Ham United star and now Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has been quoted by London News Online as saying that he wants to sign Hammers midfielder Josh Cullen.
Bowyer played for the Hammers during two spells, firstly after leaving Leeds United in 2003 before joining Newcastle shortly after. He returned in 2006 for three years at Upton Park.
Now, 41-year-old Bowyer is interested in raiding his old side for up-and-coming midfielder Cullen, who has impressed since making his debut in the Europa League at just 19 years of age – and clocking up nine Hammers appearances in total.
He was loaned to Bolton last season where he showed plenty of promise. But under Manuel Pellegrini, the Ireland Under-21 captain has been left out of the squad for both Premier League matches. Bowyer confirmed he wants to sign Cullen.
“He [Cullen] is one we’re trying to bring in,” said Bowyer. “That is where we are short at the moment – midfield. “We have not really got much cover there. We are using young lads.
“They are doing well but it comes to a point where they need a break. Josh is definitely someone we’re interested in, for sure.”
Cullen properly came to prominence under David Moyes last season, after being recalled by the Scottish manager in January from Bolton and playing in all three FA Cup matches in January.
He then made his Premier League debut against Southampton as a late substitute before another appearance from the bench against Chelsea. It remains to be seen if Charlton want Cullen on a permanent basis.
The Addicks could easily sign Cullen permanently, with less than 12 months remaining on Cullen’s contract.
Other clubs have shown that you can sign a player on loan, before making the deal immediately permanent in January, and that would have to be the case if Charlton wanted to sign Cullen, rather than just loan him.
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