Sunderland are reportedly closing in on a deal to bring West Ham United midfielder Pierre Ekwah to the club. Alan Nixon, claims a deal is done to bring the former Chelsea youngster to the Stadium of Light, but Chronicle Live understands that's not the case just yet.
Tony Mowbray's side are looking to bolster their options in the heart of midfield following a long-term injury to Elliot Embleton. The Black Cats are also hoping to bring in a striker to ease the burden on Ross Stewart, but Ekwah seems a likely addition in the heart of midfield.
Chronicle Live has spoken with Jonty Colman, West Ham United reporter for Football London, for an insight into what Ekwah might bring to Sunderland.
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What kind of player is Pierre Ekwah?
Jonty Colman: "Pierre Ekwah is an all-action midfielder who has good ability in various areas, such as work-rate, defending and getting forward to contribute with attacks. He is one of the more senior players in a largely young West Ham Under-21s side, with the majority of the older players currently out on loan, or moving on to new clubs, such as Aji Alese.
"He has been among those to train with the first-team and make senior squads more often than not, although an official first-team debut is yet to be made.
How has he fared this season?
JC: "In Premier League 2, Ekwah has scored four games in ten league games, but has also played three times in the Papa John's Trophy, getting an assist in that, as well an impressive individual display against now-semi-finalists Cheltenham Town. He has been named on the bench twice for the first-team this season in the two Europa Conference League qualifying wins over Danish side Viborg, although he did not feature in either tie.
"Ekwah has however played for the first-team in their mid-season friendlies in December, coming off the bench to score in their 4-2 win over Cambridge United. All in all, a pretty good season, despite the under-21s, as a team, taking a while to get going."
He arrived from Chelsea two years ago, what was the thought behind the signing?
JC: "It did not work out as planned at Chelsea, but since joining West Ham, has gradually continued his development and a loan move seems like the next step. As a low risk-investment, the move made sense, he had a trial at Portsmouth a couple of months before joining West Ham, and playing at the highest youth level as well as the chance to rub off on high-level first-team experiences can only be a good thing."
Is he viewed as a player for the future at the Hammers?
JC: "West Ham are a club who pride themselves on bringing in talent of their own, so signing him at a young age was definitely with that view in mind. The fact a loan move, a first career loan, in the Championship is being considered can only be a good thing and a sign to him that if it works, it can really help take his career to the next level."
Do you think he can play in the Premier League?
JC: "Potentially, yes, but there is a long way to go. With the Under-21s and in first-team friendlies, he has shown the ability to impress against players at League One level. The Championship is a really big next step, so if it works, then it would say a lot about him. He is on the right path, but a lot, like any young player, has to be achieved in order to get there."
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