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West Ham’s move for Championship defender is a non-starter.

By Henry Tomlinson

Any West Ham move for QPR defender Ryan Manning appears to be dead in the water as David Moyes does not rate the defender. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Any West Ham move for QPR defender Ryan Manning appears to be dead in the water as David Moyes does not rate the defender. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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West Ham are in need of back-up after a culling of the squad over summer, one player that had been linked with the club was QPR’s, Ryan Manning.

The Irish defender would have provided cover for West Ham in multiple positions. Ryan Manning is predominantly a left-wing-back but can play on the entire left side as well as being able to fill in at centre-midfield if needed.

David Moyes needs options in theses areas after Josh Cullen, Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere all left. These exits mean that the only natural back-up to Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek is Mark Noble. The club captain, the legend that he is, does not possess the same physical attributes as the current starters.

There is also a need for reinforcement at left-wing-back. Arthur Masuaku is the only natural wing-back on the left flank, and Aaron Cresswell has been converted to centre-back in Moyes’ new system. Manning could have relieved some of the pressure on both of these positions.

Arthur Masuaku has been in fine form for West Ham, but the club have no back-up should he pick up an injury.
Arthur Masuaku has been in fine form for West Ham, but the club have no back-up should he pick up an injury. (Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Moyes, however, is reportedly not keen on signing the 24-year-old, despite the fact he would not have broken the bank. Manning is in the last year of his contract at QPR and could have been bought for a reported £5 million.

The defender was one of the Championships top creators last season. Manning during the 2019/20 campaign scored four goals and assisted seven more for the West London side. A much bigger contribution than both Cresswell and Masuaku combined.

Reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee broke the news that Moyes ‘does not rate’ the defender, much to some fans disbelief. Hammers fans will remember the Scottish manager passing on deals for James Maddison and Leander Dendoncker; hopefully, this one does not come back to haunt the club.

In other news, West Ham did confirm the loan signing of Craig Dawson from Watford. The deal does include an option to buy the 30-year-old at the end of the season. The club are also perusing a deal for Brentford winger Said Benrahma; a medical is booked for the player when he returns from international duty.

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The club have also reportedly agreed to a deal to sign Frederik Alves. The 20-year-old is currently playing for Silkeborg FC in Denmark’s top division. The clubs have reportedly agreed to a fee of £1.2 million for the defender who could join the club in January.

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