Crouch speculation just rumours, say Hammers

Reports yesterday linking West Ham to a summer move for Stoke striker Peter Crouch are nothing more than hearsay, Sports Direct News are reporting today.

The England striker is thought to be keen on a move back down south after a frustrating season at the Britannia Stadium which has seen him fall down the pecking order for the national side, but the Hammers hierarchy are reportedly cocnentrating all their efforts on landing loan star Andy Carroll this summer from Liverpool and will only look at back up options if the Carroll deal falls through. And according to the newspaper, Peter Crouch is not a name being considered by manager Sam Allardyce.

The word is also that the Irons will want to see how the Carlton Cole contract situation resolves itself, with the big striker yet to put pen to paper on a new deal. The ex Chelsea man has previously stated that he wants to end his career at the Boleyn Ground.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Shout for Crouch: Hammers target England striker

One line coming out of the Mirror today is that West Ham are currently looking at alternatives to Andy Carroll- and his England colleague Peter Crouch is top of their shopping list.

 

The 32 year old has endured a frustrating season at Stoke, scoring only twice since September and almost moved to QPR on transfer deadline day in January. The big striker claimed at the time that he was happy to remain in Staffordshire, but is reportedly keen on a move south as he looks to boost his England chances ahead of next summer's World Cup. 

Irons boss Sam Allardyce is known to be a fan of ex Southampton favourite Crouch and believes that he would add crucial experience to what could well be a young side taking the field at the Boleyn Ground for the opening game of next season, if Allardyce's other transfer targets are anything to go by. 

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling