West Ham United are reportedly set to win the race to sign Daniel Opare, and that may be bad news for Sam Byram, so should West Bromwich Albion move?
Just hours after bolstering their squad with the signing of Patrice Evra, West Ham appear to be closing in on their first summer signing, with Soka 25 reporting that the Irons are looking most likely to win the race for Daniel Opare, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season.
Opare may be able to rival Evra if the latter extends his stay at the London Stadium beyond his current deal, but his primary position is at right-back, and that may prove to be an issue for Sam Byram.
The 24-year-old has barely featured for the Hammers this season, and if a new right-back arrives, he would be forgiven for wanting to seek a fresh challenge as another campaign spent on the periphery may be extremely detrimental for his career.
Meanwhile, West Brom’s defence is arguably lacking decent options at right-back. Allan Nyom has been quite inconsistent and has never really looked like the long-term answer, while Craig Dawson has done extremely well in the role, but his main position is at centre-back, and that may be important if speculation surrounding Jonny Evans kicks off again this summer.
While in charge of Crystal Palace, Baggies boss Alan Pardew was looking at Byram as he prepared to leave Leeds, according to a report from the Daily Express, so perhaps looking to make a fresh move may be a smart idea.
It may be a gamble, but with Byram barely featuring for the Hammers this season, and only costing £3.7 million when he joined from Leeds – fee reported by the Independent – he may not cost a significant amount.
And if West Brom did make a move and did manage to land the right-back, it may prove to be an inspired signing if Pardew is able to get the Englishman’s career back on track.
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