The trend of West Ham being linked with up and coming talent appears to be growing – presumably from financial necessity as the modest budget needs to stretch to cover the replacements for seven – and counting – first team departures this summer.
Originally a product of Arsenal’s youth academy, Sydie Peck has certainly served a football apprenticeship, leaving London at 16 to head north with spells at Sheffield United’s under 18 side and a loan at Oldham Athletic before breaking through into the Championship with the Blades last season.
Tipped just yesterday by Hammers specialist journalist Jacob Steinberg as one who is well worth watching as being on West Ham’s scouting watchlist, Peck is featured in thestar.co.uk today, who offer the suggestion today that:
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*“the 20-year-old has played and scored for his England age group, made 47 appearances as the Blades fell just short of promotion to the Premier League and is now being linked with a move to the Premier League. West Ham United have been credited with interest in Peck, with Graham Potter said to be keen on adding more energy to his Hammers midfield….*[praising] his blend of industry and invention in the middle of the park.”
Whether he offers more than West Ham’s own successful Championship loanees Freddie Potts and George Earthy who both acquitted themselves equally well, is arguable.
Again at well under £10 million, Peck would not break the bank this summer and could be an option for the Hammers to consider according to the Guardian’s Steinberg.
For Peck it would be a return to his roots ‘down south’ which could be welcome with Sheffield United having failed to make it through the play – offs: Instead of trying to convince a talented young player to come to East London it would be a case of ‘pushing at an open door’ to recruit the midfielder to West Hams’ Potter project as the Hammers turn increasingly to the Championship in their quest for affordable upgrades to the squad this summer.