West Ham goalkeeper Marek ?těch has indicated that Burnley are keen on acquiring his services.
The 21-year-old Czech is playing second fiddle at the moment to Rob Green and is getting limited opportunity to play in the first team.
Stech was on loan to Yeovil Town earlier this season but was then recalled by Hammers gaffer, Sam Allardyce to provide injury cover.
It would appear both Ipswich Town and Burnley are just two of the clubs that have been interested in the stopper.
So who is suggesting a move to Burnley could be on the cards? Well none other than the keeper himself.
Speaking to the media he said:
‘Anyway, Burnley are keen to sign me. I’ve already played a game in their reserves.
‘Two weeks ago they played at West Ham and I discussed it with their goalkeeper coach. He said there was interest.
‘In January it would most likely be for a six-month loan. Then I would have one year left on my West Ham deal and at such situation you usually open talks over a new contract or move on.’
The reason West Ham are reluctant to play the keeper is also contract-related with the club due to pay Sparta Prague a bonus if he makes five appearances. The Hammers signed him from the Czech club in August 2006 for an undisclosed fee and surpisingly he has yet to make his first team debut having made just friendly appearances for the East End club.
Talking about the situation at Upton Park, ?těch said:
‘I still can’t play because of that money. It is unpleasant and has been going for a year. I’m trapped and they (West Ham)don’t have a reason to keep me because of the clause. Perhaps they might even be happier if I moved elsewhere.
‘I don’t want to mention the figure, but my feeling is it is not a big sum for West Ham.
‘I think the fee is not too big and it makes me feel sorry because I like West Ham. This is my fifth season here and I have always been happy here.’
Since his arrival at West Ham is has had three spells out on loan. As well as the more recent loan spell at Yeovil, he also played for Wycombe Wanderers and Bournemouth.
He was at Dean Court for just one game having signed in December 2009 on an emergency loan due to last for seven days. There is however the obvious link in that the manager at the time was non other than Eddie Howe! However it is difficult to see how Howe would have been impressed consideing that he following day ?těch made his debut for Bournemouth but let in five goals with the Cherries losing 5-0 away to Morecambe. He didn’t get chance to redeem himself either and returned to West Ham.
This is not the first time we have been linked with the keeper and if the rumours are true it is bound to fuel speculation concerning the future of Brian Jensen and indeed third-string keeper, Jon Stewart.
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