Name: Youssef Sofiane
Date of Birth: 8th July, 1984
Position: Striker
Previous Clubs: Auxerre, West Ham United, Lyon [loan]
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Although not as of the same calibre as your Cisse’s, Kapo’s, Mexes’ and the like; Youssef Sofiane is a prospect to behold. Yes, it is true he’s no Thierry Henry, but the 20-year old West Ham striker – highly-regarded yet seldom utilised for his club – sits modestly as a hot property in the lesser provinces of the Hammers’ squad.
Signed from Auxerre on a free transfer two years ago, the nimble striker – measuring at a tiny 5"8 – has found breaking into the first team at Upton Park a tall order to meet, having made just one league appearances for the first team and is yet to appear under current manager, Alan Pardew, although loan spells at French side Lyon – and now the Magpies – help Sofiane gather much needed first team experience.
Sofiane – curiously enough, the much-hyped ex-fiancée of Big Brother Four’s have-a-go glamour girl, Tania – will go straight into contention for Saturday’s trip to the Sixfields, after arriving on an initial one-month loan spell, yesterday.