Mags to move for Momo?

Pardew looking to strengthen side after Young Toon defeat in France.

West Ham United's Senegalese anchor man, Mohammed Diame has done well for the Hammers since his free transfer from Wigan at the end of last season. And such performances have not gone unnoticed, the defensive midfielder being in superb form so far this season, noticeably in the shock 3-1 victory over Chelsea.

It is unlikely that West Ham would be willing to let such an asset go after just half a season, at least not for a fee deemed reasonable. However, they may not have much of a choice in the matter, with news of a release clause emerging. The clause is, understandably, a closely guarded secret, and reports have it at anywhere between £3.5m-£7m. For some clubs, such as Newcastle or Everton, the higher end of that spectrum could prove to be a little too much, however if there is truth in both the existence in the clause, and it being as little as £3.5m, then West Ham will likely have to be prepared for a myriad of bids from assorted clubs.


Whether Diame would want to leave West Ham at the moment is something to consider, with the recently promoted side doing quite well with more than a third of the season gone. Newcastle reportedly have interest in the midfielder, with the already small squad suffering heavily from injuries. Cheick Tiote will be missing for up to two months in the New Year at the African Cup of Nations, whereas Diame won't, with his Senegal side being knocked out in qualifying by Tiote's Ivory Coast. This, couple with the need of squad depth, and Yohan Cabaye out injured until February, could tempt Alan Pardew into making a bid for the Irons Man in January.

Newcastle were last night defeated by Bordeaux in the final match of their Europa league group, losing their unbeaten record in that competition. However, both teams having already qualified, made nine changes each to the starting eleven, with Pardew using it as an opportunity to bleed in some of the younger players, resting some of the more senior for the important Premier League fixture at Fulham. After the match, Pardew has said that he was disappointed with some of the performances, and would be looking to loan out some of the fringe players - after strengthening in the winter window.

The midfield isn't the only part, or even the most important part, of the squad that needs touching up in January, but Momo Diame could certainly be a very shrewd acquisition for a Newcastle squad that has struggled so far this season.