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West Ham transfer news: Fans want more from Barcelona and Leeds target - EXCLUSIVE
WEST HAM fans want to see more of Barcelona target Domingos Quina, insists Dean Ashton.
Barcelona and Leeds United have emerged as suitors for West Ham youngster Quina this summer.
The Nou Camp giants are tipped to make a permanent offer for the 18-year-old, while Leeds United would likely suggest a loan move.
The playmaker is tipped as one for the future and already boasts caps at Portugal U20 level.
But former Hammers striker Ashton feels manager Manuel Pellegrini should keep Quina and give the youngster a chance to shine in front of the fans at London Stadium.
“West Ham fans have been waiting for him to get in and have his chance,” Ashton told Express Sport.
As a young player you need to have a run in the team
“I know he came in at times and played last season in other competitions, not Premier League. He did OK without really shining.
“He did very well at youth level but to suddenly hear that maybe Barcelona are looking at him, West Ham fans are probably saying 'hang on, we need to see him a bit more!'.
“So it would be a real shame if that was to be the case because every single supporter of any club wants to see young players come through into the first team.
“Clubs have to work harder to get these players in. They're so important.
“So hopefully he gets his chance at West Ham. And if not, what a move (to Barcelona) that would be!”
Barca have already signed a handful of players this summer and Quina would likely head to their reserve ranks were he to join Ernesto Valverde’s men.
West Ham have produced a glittering array of youth products over the years and before Quina it was Reece Oxford being linked with a big-money move to one of Europe’s top clubs.
But West Ham kept the midfielder and sent him on loan to Borussia Monchengladbach to develop - something Ashton wants to see happen to Quina.
“As a young player you need to have a run in the team,” he added.
“You've got to be able to make the odd mistake and get through 20 games, get over that initial toughness of getting in the side.
“But managers are under so much pressure it's difficult to get young players in.
“He's done the right thing has Oxford - he's gone out on loan to Monchengladbach and is gaining experience all the time. That's what players have to do.
“They've got to take that gamble of going out on loan and playing regular football.”