Aston Villa and Newcastle track youngster
Promising West Ham defender Jordan Spence could be poached this summer, as the Irons have so far failed to convince him to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season, and Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle are reportedly ready to pounce.
Big things have been expected of the 20-year-old for a long time at the Boleyn Ground, however he has gained more recognition outside of east London recently after his form during a loan spell at Bristol City was impressive enough for him to receive a call-up and cap for England Under-21s.
Stuart Pearce doesn't appear to be the only one impressed by the Woodford-born right back's progress though, judging by the Daily Mirror's claims that both Gerard Houllier and former West Ham boss Alan Pardew are hoping to convince him to leave at the end of his current deal.
Aston Villa are attracting plenty of headlines right now due to rumours that Houllier - if he survives until the end of the campaign - is planning a lot of changes at Villa Park in pre-season, with Brad Friedel, Nigel Reo-Coker, Robert Pires and loan signing Michael Bradley all facing uncertain futures.
In addition to that, there have been murmurings that a number of senior players at the surprise strugglers, among them Richard Dunne, James Collins, Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor, are far from satisfied with the Frenchman's stewardship and will look to move on if the opportunity arises.
Back to Spence, none of his three apparent options for 2011-12 are guaranteed to be playing Premier League football, though Newcastle should be safe after pulling seven points clear of the drop after last weekend's victory over Wolves. West Ham are [2.26] to go down and Villa are [9.0].
Which club's future prospects are the brightest? Tell us below...
Published: 7 Apr 2011
Rich Burton (April 7, 2011 9:02 AM) said:
Brightest prospect N.U.F.C bigger than both other teams put together and on a fantastic financial footing.Owners own £50m put into club,soon this club will be totally debt free,how many other clubs will be in this awesome position {man city,Chelsea}.A fantastic fan base thats not won nothing for 50 years what a fantastic club.I dont support any of the above clubs
Anthony (April 7, 2011 9:37 AM) said:
NUFC bigger than West Ham and Villa put together? Give me a break. Villa spent £30m+ in January, their owner has forked out a lot of money, more than the likes of Spurs, just not spent the money as well as they have.
Villa biggest club in the second City, biggest club in the Midlands, steeped in history, West Ham also, a club with a elustrious past and passionate fanbase.