£20 million Championship star could replace Edson Alvarez at West Ham

Recently, defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez took his second red-card across all competitions this season in West Ham's 3-0 away defeat against Nottingham Forest. Alvarez hasn't managed to replicate his last season's form in the ongoing Premier League campaign and his underwhelming pace and decision making has lead the Hammers to concede a lot of attempts on goal in every match.

Further, the Mexico international could also leave the London Stadium at the end of the season, with Serie A side Milan reported to be one of his huge admirers. Thus, West Ham will need to bring in a few reinforcements in their midfield to assemble a balanced as well as an improved squad that can aim to qualify for playing European football.

£20 million Championship star could replace Edson Alvarez at West Ham

On that note, one of the players that could replace Alvarez in West Ham's starting lineup is Championship star Jobe Bellingham. The 19-year-old Sunderland midfielder is in fine form this season and has already scored twice and provided an assist in the Championship this season.

Jobe is a versatile midfielder who can play as a box-to-box midfielder as well as a creative playmaker inside the final third and his passing abilities draw comparisons with his brother, Jude Bellingham. Jobe has started all 13 league matches for Sunderland in the Championship and his defensive work ethic as well as dribbling near the edge of the box helps his team to quickly advance inside the box while going forward.

Further, his finishing and game awareness can provide a much-needed creative spark in the West Ham attack, who have struggled to consistently find the back of the net in the Premier League. Jobe's brilliant form this season has led Sunderland to become the league-leaders in the Championship and thus, can demand around £20 million transfer fee to part ways with the talented midfielder.

If West Ham manage to sell Alvarez in the January transfer window itself, the Hammers could consider bringing Jobe Bellingham as their long-term central midfielder to bolster the midfield.