Allardyce: Winston Reid has been tapped-up

  • by Staff Writer
  • Tuesday, 6th January 2015

Sam Allardyce believes that Winston Reid may have already struck a deal with new club - despite rules prohibiting such practices.

Allardyce is likely to include the wantaway central defender in his starting line-up at Everton tonight for West Ham's FA Cup third round tie at Goodison Park.

However he hinted last night that he believes the 26-year-old Kiwi may have already reached a verbal agreement with a third party. "If he's not going to sign a contract with us, I find it highly unlikely if it's not already verbally done somewhere else," said Allardyce.

"It's just a fact of football. You have to accept the way it is and, contrary to whether it breaks the rules or it doesn't, it happens. You are not going to prove it anyway. It's just one of the ways the football world works.

"It might have nothing to do with the two clubs directly, it could be between two agents. So how can you relate that to the football clubs? You can't so it all gets done that way."

Allardyce also feels that Reid views West Ham as a 'stepping stone' - in much the same way as the likes of Nigel Reo-Coker and Demba Ba before him. "I think he thinks he can do better," added Big Sam.

"He thinks he can find a bigger club than we are. He thinks he can financially benefit more than what we’ve offered. That’s what’s in his mind, whether that’s the opportunity or not."

KUMB understands that Reid, who has spent the last four years in England is keen to remain in London if possible.

Whilst a club of Chelsea's financial might be unlikely to come calling, the likes of Tottenham or Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for the defender - although neither are willing to offer Reid a deal at present.

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