Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League defender turned BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has reacted to a West Ham United transfer development involving Aston Villa forward Anwar El Ghazi.
The Lowdown: West Ham plotting bid...
As per Football Insider, El Ghazi is very much on the radar of Irons boss David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman as they eye winter window additions.
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According to their information, West Ham are 'plotting a January move' for the 26-year-old as he struggles for consistent game time at Villa Park.
Moyes personally regards the Netherlands international as someone who can lead West Ham's frontline through the middle despite being a natural wide player as they reportedly set their sights.
The Latest: Hutton reacts...
Reacting to this news, Hutton claims that he 'ticks all the boxes' as a 'big' powerhouse forward and is disappointed to see a player of his 'quality' potentially leaving the Midlands.
"Look, I really like Anwar. Not just as a guy but as a player, I think he ticks all the boxes," the ex-Scotland international explained to FI.
“He’s a confidence player, someone that has to be playing week in, week out. You have to put your arm round him and you have to make him feel special.
“If you do that, you get the best out of them. I’ve seen it, I’ve obviously had to mark him at training. I’ve seen him there, and what he’s capable of.
“He’s a big, strong powerhouse, he can play that number nine position if he needs to, he can play out wide. A lot of managers want that versatility within a player.
“He definitely ticks all the boxes but it’s about getting the best out of him week in, week out. David Moyes has managed to do that with a lot of players.
“He seems to have the whole squad pulling in the one direction. If they can get someone like Anwar in and get the best out of him, that could be another shrewd buy.
“I don’t want to see players of that type of quality leaving Villa, I know what he’s capable of.
“But I think Villa are heavily loaded in the wide areas.”
The Verdict: Surprisingly good option?
Amid their links to Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa and Sparta Prague sensation Adam Hlozek, Villa's winger actually doesn't come as a bad option by comparison.
According to WhoScored, El Ghazi racked up ten goals in the Premier League last season whilst also averaging an impressive 2.3 shots at goal per 90.
By comparison to West Ham's players this season, only Michail Antonio has racked up more attempts on average (2.8) - perhaps indicating El Ghazi could do a job as his understudy.
Given Villa want a permanent deal but could also listen to loan offers, securing him on a temporary deal until the end of this season posses little risk for West Ham and the board.
In other news: 'Tears in my eyes', 'Finally' - West Ham fans flock to 'very exciting' transfer news, find out more here.