Former West Ham star Nigel Reo-Coker has urged the Hammers not to sell striker Andy Carroll, adding that it is vital that they keep hold of him this month.
Carroll has emerged as a surprise target of Chelsea who want to sign up him as a cover option for Alvaro Morata.
The Hammers are reportedly also keen to do business if Antonio Conte’s side can meet their asking price of £20 million but Reo-Coker does not want a deal to go ahead.
Reo-Coker who was part of the West Ham squad between July 2007 and May 2011 believes that Carroll remains an important member of the Hammers first team as they look to avoid relegation this season.
The 33-year-old Reo-Coker, who most recently played for Norwegian club IK Start said: “Andy Carroll is a vital player for West Ham, even though they have picked up a few results lately. There’s still a long way to go this season and he’s a player they need to keep right now – for the team, the system and the way they play.”
“On his day he can be a handful for even the best defenders in the Premier League and selling him in the January window is not the right thing to do.”
“And, despite what you might get for him, you have to remember what position it could leave your team in. Or have they someone in mind who can fit in right now? For West Ham, and where they are right now, Carroll is a player they need to keep in this window.”
