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West Ham backed to sign 'exciting' English starlet to replace Fabianski - pundit
Noel Whelan has backed West Ham to sign St Etienne goalkeeper Etienne Green as a long-term successor to Lukasz Fabianski.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker suggested the 21-year-old would be another “exciting” addition to the British core of players in east London.
As reported by TEAMtalk (15th October), West Ham and Tottenham are both considering a move to sign the 6ft 4in (Transfermarkt) shot-stopper.
Green made his England under-21 debut on Monday after switching allegiances from France’s youth sides.
Born in Essex, the goalkeeper moved to France as a child and has spent his entire footballing career with St Etienne.
West Ham currently have Fabianski and loanee Alphonse Areola as their senior goalkeeping options.
However, Whelan suggested Green could be the perfect long-term stalwart between the Irons’ sticks.
“He sounds like a great prospect for them,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I think that’s what West Ham are always looking at. Again, you’re looking at a British-based kind of player. You know the blueprint of David Moyes.
“Their network now of bringing players in over the two seasons has been exceptional. That’s why they’re now more competitive in the Premier League than they’ve been for a long, long time.
“They’ll have watched the player, done their homework and kept tabs on him. It’s now time to start bringing that other generation in that’s going to be there for that longevity.
“Goalkeepers can play into their late 30s, early 40s but you get to a certain point where you’ve got to start looking for that next five six-year player.
“He could be the one. He sounds very exciting. West Ham, again, getting transfers right.”
Green has made 16 senior appearances under his belt for St Etienne to date.
In other news, pundit makes “exceptional” West Ham claim as “amazing” David Moyes transfer plot revealed.