So How Will Moyes Spend His £85 Million?

The exact amount of money available to Barclays Premier League managers is always a matter of smoke and mirrors for most clubs, with no one wanting to show their hand too clearly. West Ham have definitely been in that category for years, there have been some ridiculous 'attempts' at signing players at 'low ball' prices to boot!

So news of David Moyes's supposed £85 Million budget will be greeted with a combination of scepticism and disdain, scepticism that Moyes won't eventually get the full amount, and disdain that his kitty will be so sparse, especially on the back of the club achieving it's highest ever top level points, AND qualifying for the group stages of the Europa Cup, a competition that neither of Hammers London rivals, 'Tottingham' and 'Le'Arse', managed to qualify for, with the Cocks squeezing in to the 'Con Cup', and the Arse not even making that, although there is some conjecture that Arsenal were more than happy NOT to qualify for what is essentially the Inter Toto Cup but with a different name.

So, IF David Moyes does actually get access to the rumoured £85 Million, how will he spend it? Firstly we need to look at what the manager needs, and what he wants, and who he can realistically get. The glaringly obvious top of the list is at least one striker, preferably two, or even three! Next up a combative midfielder, followed by a marauding left back and a replacement goal keeper, although that is the one position where the club could possibly hold fire on.

Although Hammers have been linked with just about every striker with a pulse, and some without, Moyes is more than likely to look domestically to fill such a vital role. Blackburn Rovers Adam Armstrong available for £10 Million seems an ideal fit and wouldn't mess with th wonderful team spirit there is at the club. Alex Kral is the preferred choice as the midfield enforcer in order to add strength in depth, he will cost in the region of £18 Million. The left back situation can be dealt with by signing the exciting talent that Junior Firpo is, he fits Moyes's template perfectly and is available form Barcelona for around £13 Million.

The goal keeping situation is a contentious issue, Lukasz Fabianski has begun to pick up more and more injuries, but he is still one of the best goal keepers in the Barclays Premier League, however West Ham have been kept in the loop regarding Sam Johnstone from newly relegated West Brom, he won't come cheap though, especially as he has been called up to the England squad, he will probably cost in the region of £18 Million.

The outlay for all of the players listed is approximately £59 Million, which would leave David Moyes a further £26 million, IF the £85 Million budget is to be believed. That would leave enough money in the kitty for the additional 'high profile' striker.

Financially Moyes can expect between little and zero when it comes to off loading some of Hammers dead wood, just getting some of their ridiculous wages off the books will be an achievement in itself! After next season the club will no longer be saddled with 'Pellegrini's perils', allowing the Scot, who is in the middle of signing his new three year deal, to work without both hands tied behind his back.

It is to be hoped that the board grab this once in a lifetime opportunity to propel the club to the level they always promised they would, and IF they back their manager fully, they might even grow in the popularity stakes with the fans! - Ed