West Ham: David Moyes Opens Up On Gilmour Admiration

One silver lining to the current pandemic shutdown of the footballing world is the extra time clubs have to ponder and plan their next targets. For West Ham and David Moyes, one of their targets may have slipped.

Billy Gilmour may only have accumulated 461 Premier League minutes, but he has definitely made his mark. The young Scot has put in some brilliant performances, most notably dominating the midfield in an FA Cup win over an established Liverpool side garnering interest from West Ham’s manager.

The 18-year-old has received plenty of plaudits since his breakthrough in West London. David Moyes appears to be one of the biggest fans of his, in an interview with BBC Scotland Moyes if he could sign one Scottish player it would be the ex-Rangers man.

"“The one (Scottish player) who I could sign tomorrow is Billy Gilmour. He’s looked like a seasoned pro and looked hungry” the Scottish manager said. Moyes told BBC Scotland. More from Green Street Hammers - West HamBrighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer standLucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talksBournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaosWest Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid"

Gilmour’s current club, Chelsea, are in the market for another midfielder and are continuously linked with current Hammer Declan Rice. The 21-year-old continues to impress in the heart of the West Ham midfield, so much so he is now a regular in the England set-up, becoming a key member of Gareth Southgate’s future plans.

It would take a lot of money to convince West Ham to sell their prized asset should Chelsea make a more for the Englishman. West Ham has finally seemed to find the perfect partner for Rice in Tomas Souček, selling Rice now would put the Hammers back to square one. David Moyes even spoke about the Blues interest in Rice.

"“I was laughing because I keep getting told that Chelsea wants to sign Declan Rice. So, I thought well I might just decide I want Billy Gilmour and see how it goes”."

So, if Chelsea did make a big move for Declan Rice, perhaps if West Ham were able to get Gilmour in return it would certainly soften the blow. Gilmour has shown ability beyond his years and could have a decent impact on the Hammers team. Moyes has continued to talk up the youngster to BBC Scotland and how he could be the future of the Scottish national side.

"“He’s typical of what my memories are of what Scottish players were like going back many, many years,” Moyes said. “We were always good players, really talented football players, and at the moment Billy Gilmour in the short period I’ve seen him has looked like that all day long."

It is likely there will be a midfield exodus coming at West Ham in the next transfer window. It is likely that Carlos Sanchez, Jack Wilshere and Manuel Lanzini could be on their way out, opening up space in the squad.

There could be room for Gilmour at the London Stadium, and with Moyes being a big fan the club could make a move for the Scotsman, although at the moment a loan deal would be the most likely as Chelsea won’t be convinced to sell the rising star.