Manuel Pellegrini has a tough task in hand as he looks to lead West Ham to a top-half finish in the English top-flight. The former Premier League title winner with Manchester City, Pellegrini is keen to add quality to a weak squad at the London Stadium, but these additions are sure to push a number of youngsters out of the team this summer.
One such player, who is now on his way out of the club is Reece Burke.
Born and brought up in Newham, the 21-year old joined West Ham’s academy as a nine-year-old and only broke into the senior side in 2014. He made five league appearances in his second season with the senior side but was soon sent out on loan to various clubs in the lower tiers.
Bradford City and Wigan Athletic gave him enough exposure as a youngster and Burke earned a reputation that saw him sign for Bolton Wanderers last season. He did briefly return to West Ham in January and was included in the FA Cup squad, but just before the deadline day, he was once again sent back to the Macron Stadium, until the end of the season.
Burke managed 22 Championship appearances, picking up a goal and showing enough promise for him to be included in the pre-season squad for Pellegrini recently. He travelled with the squad to Switzerland for training but it is now understood that he is back in England, to try and complete his move away from the club, on yet another loan deal.
He has just two years left on his current contract and has three appearances for the England U20 side already. At just 21, he is a strong and athletic defender, who can also put in a shift at right-back. He is a potential star and will be a loss for West Ham if they sell him.
However, Pellegrini does not see him in his first team, especially after signing Issa Diop recently. So a loan move away from West Ham seems to be best for all parties.
Burke was a transfer target for Derby County for a while but it is now understood that he is close to joining Hull City this summer. The Tigers are ready to pay £1.5m for his loan while Frank Lampard is desperate to hijack this deal.
Read More: West Ham United Offered Former Fan Favourite This Summer: Does He Fit Into Pellegrini’s Plans?
However, reports now suggest that talks between the Rams and the Hammers have broken down, leaving Hull City free to sign Burke this summer. Under Nigel Adkins, the youngster will definitely grow as a player and will return hopefully to London as an established star ready for first-team action.
