West Ham United must look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements, after accepting defeat in their pursuit of Connor Wickham.
Despite already spending big on Ecuador international Enner Valencia, the Hammers remain in the market for another frontman due to another injury layoff for Andy Carroll. The former Newcastle United and Liverpool man, who played just 15 times in the Premier League last term, has an ankle injury which could keep him out of action until November.
Sam Allardyce had hoped to add Wickham to his list of options, and tabled an offer of £5million for his signature last week. This was rejected by Sunderland, despite the former Ipswich Town youngster now in the final 12 months of his contract, although it was reported that the Black Cats would be willing to do business should a bid of £8million be made.
Such a suggestion was a surprise, considering this was the same fee they paid for his services in June 2011, especially considering the impact the England Under-21 international had as the club avoided relegation last season. Wickham, who also had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United last term, scored five goals in 15 outings for the Stadium of Light club, including decisive strikes against both Chelsea and Manchester City.
And it now appears that Sunderland have no intention of entertaining the idea of him leaving the club during the summer window. Speaking to Sky Sports, Gus Poyet underlined the importance of the youngster to his plans for the coming campaign, amidst reports that he will soon be offered a new contract to extend his stay at the Wearside outfit.
“There has been an offer for Connor but he is a player we want to keep,” said the Uruguayan. “He was a massive part of our miracle last year. He showed he is ready to play in the Premier League. He’s had a great pre-season and if we started the season now he’d be in the starting line-up. I will try my best to keep him. He’s a very important part of our plans.”
According to Sky Sports, Allardyce has now given up on his chances of persuading Sunderland to sell Wickham and will look elsewhere for reinforcements. This is the second blow in recent days for the West Ham manager, who has also added Mauro Zarate to his attacking options since the end of last season, after being rebuffed in his attempts to take Peter Crouch from Stoke City.
