Jack Wilshere has had his second season at West Ham ravaged by injury, just like the first and the club may have identified his potential replacement.
West Ham is chasing Newcastle starlet Matty Longstaff according to the Daily Star. Longstaff is about to become a free agent as his contract is almost up. The Hammers could make a move for him as he would be an ideal replacement for Jack Wilshere.
Longstaff may have only had a limited role during the course of the last season, but he has attracted interest from all around Europe. Despite, Steve Bruce‘s attempts to keep the youngster Udinese and Schalke have been mooted to be interested in signing the youngster. There is also competition from England for Longstaff’s signature, with Southampton and Burnley are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old’s situation.
Despite only making 15 appearances for Newcastle this season as a holding midfielder, Longstaff impressed with his range of passing and shooting. Longstaff found the net on three different occasions during the season, not bad considering how raw of a talent he is.
At the ripe young age of twenty, Longstaff has plenty of time to adapt to a new club and could bide his time ahead of opportunities. The midfielder will have to wait for his opportunities at West Ham should he be signed. Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek are guaranteed to be starters next season.
Despite it looking like a closed-door for first-team action, there is an ever-widening crack for a young ambitious player looking to jump through. Jack Wilshere could be on his way out of the club following a disappointing two years. The 28-year-old has been tormented by injuries during his time which has kept him on the sidelines.
West Ham will be keen to shift the former England international considering he is on quite high wages, something Longstaff would not yet require. Another gap for Longstaff is the ageing Mark Noble. The Captain could be retiring soon and the club needs to make sure there is a replacement lined-up.
The natural successor for Noble will be Rice if he is still at the club and not been snapped up by a bigger fish. Longstaff could become the new up and comer and learn and develop his skills out fro the shadow of his older brother Sean Longstaff. Under the teaching of Rice and Soucek and become a top midfield option for the Hammers should the chance for him arrive.