Galatasaray are showing interest in West Ham midfielder Tomáš Souček, with the story breaking in the Czech media earlier this week.

Informal transfer talks were reported to have taken place, although these were denied by sources close to the player who spoke directly to Claret & Hugh.

At the risk of repeating myself, it is imperative that West Ham do not sell Souček under any circumstances. The club is staring down the barrel of a relegation fight and this is precisely the moment you need fighters, scrappers and players who understand what survival football looks like.

Right now, I would take Tomáš Souček over a wantaway Lucas Paquetá any day of the week.

Why Souček Still Matters in a Relegation Scrap

I have suspected for some time that the midfielder still has a role to play, and if West Ham are serious about remaining in the Premier League, he could yet prove pivotal. Is Souček the most technically gifted player at the club? No, he is not. His limitations are obvious and well understood by supporters.

However, what he does bring is priceless in the current climate. He defends his own box as if his life depends on it,...