Ex Star Talks Against The Sale Of Star Defender To Arsenal Or Manchester United

Arsenal and Manchester United have been in the race for the signature of West Ham’s star defender Winston Reid for sometime now. Both clubs are in the need for more defensive options and are trying to sign the New Zealand international as soon as January. Further the New Zealander has failed to renew his contract at Upton Park and with his current contract about to expire in the summer, it looks like he is set to leave the club sooner rather than later. If Reid leaves at the moment, the Premier League giants would have to pay a fee of £3million for him, yet the clubs also have a choice of acquiring him as a free transfer at the end of the season. Arsenal and Manchester United both are keen on signing the 26 year old and have made their intent known to West Ham who are deciding their next move.

On the other hand, ex-Iron Steve Lomas claims that the deal would not be good to West Ham and that they should think again about making the £3m deal. Infact, Lomas personally believes that holding on to the star defender and allowing him to leave at the end of the season could prove to be a better piece of business for the Hammers. Sam Allardyce’s side have had a fabulous season and find themselves currently at seventh place, just four points off fourth place Southampton. Lomas feels it would be a wise decision to keep Reid till the end of the season and see what West Ham can accomplish this season.

Lomas told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show in an exclusive interview, “Over the last two and half years Reid has been West Ham’s best and most consistent, player. He’s a massive loss. Sam is right to say they might as well keep him, rather than sell him for £2-3m. They could get two or three places higher up in the league if he stays. Why weaken your squad? There’s no point selling him for that.” What happens next, remains to be seen.