West Ham United want to turn Carl Jenkinson’s loan deal into a permanent transfer, but look set to face competition for his signature from Liverpool.
Lifelong Arsenal fan Jenkinson had hoped to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s starting XI this season, particularly as he played 14 times last term in the absence of regular right-back Bacary Sagna who has since departed for Manchester City. But the 23-year-old was sent to Upton Park for the season, and it appears as though he has now slipped to third choice for the Gunners.
Mathieu Debuchy was signed from Newcastle United in a £10million summer deal as the direct replacement for Sagna, and although his campaign has been riddled with injury, this has resulted in the emergence of Hector Bellerin, the 20-year-old former Barcelona youth player, who has been so impressive that the Frenchman could struggle to regain his place once fit.
All this doesn’t bode well for Jenkinson, who was given a new six-year contract by Wenger towards the tail end of the 2012 calendar year. The former Charlton Athletic fullback has aspirations of becoming a permanent fixture in the England squad, having collected one cap from a friendly against Sweden more than two years ago, and he knows he needs regular first team action to be considered.
This is something Sam Allardyce is currently providing, as the player has now made 30 appearances for West Ham in all competitions. Whilst the capital club are keen to make his loan deal permanent, the Daily Mail claim they could have competition from Liverpool, who are likely to be in the market for a new right fullback in the summer if , as expected, Glen Johnson leaves.
The 30-year-old, a former Hammers youngster, is out of contract in the summer and is said to be keen on a fresh challenge, with a number of Italian clubs linked with his signature in recent weeks. Brendan Rodgers feels Jenkinson could be the ideal man to replace the 54-time England defender, and would hope an offer of £10million would be enough to persuade Arsenal to sell.
