Tammy Moves Closer

Hammers face up to Chelsea on Saturday for a game that could have far-reaching implications for both clubs, Champions League qualification is the holy grail awaiting the winners of the tie, defeat might condemn the losers to 'Europa League' ignominy.

One player who seems destined not to be part of the proceedings is Tammy Abraham, the Chelsea striker has been 'frozen out' of their first team since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as manager. Tuchel has made it clear that Abraham does not feature in his plans, leaving the 23 year old striker in 'no man's land'.

Abraham's omission from the Chelsea first team has seen him lose his place in Gareth Southgate's England squad, just when he really wanted to be included for this summer's Euro competition. At 23 Abraham has his best years ahead of him, but bench warming is not something that sits well with him, consequently he will be handing in a written transfer request if there is no possibility of him featuring regularly for the West London club.

Hammers are 'screaming out' for a 'proper' centre forward, and Abraham ticks all the boxes, fast, athletic, clever and unselfish. He would be a perfect fit at the London Stadium, and another player who would arrive with a point to prove, he will have looked at Jesse Lingard's 'surprise' inclusion in the England squad, and thought I'll have some of that!

So long as Chelsea don't try and ask ridiculous money, his acquisition is a no brainer. Apart from Abraham's qualities as a player, he is also a very decent human being with great awareness of what is going on around him, how do we know? Because this writer, during his 'five year sentence' as an intervention tutor, knew him and his younger brother when they were students, and I can confirm he is a thoroughly decent young man.

Apart from the 'Czech Mates', Hammers success in recruiting has been based on young, hungry players with a point to prove, or quality older players, all UK based. Building a team with a British core seems even more pertinent given the recent shenanigans of the 'European 'Sucker' Cup'. - Ed