New year, new Nasri

It could well be a good bit of business to have signed Samir Nasri on a free after his doping ban ended. He's 31 and not match fit, but there's no disputing his quality, shown during his time at Arsenal and Man City, where he won two league titles. He might have a reputation for being hard work, but Pellegrini clearly knows how to handle him from his time at City and Nasri's body has been spared 18 months of wear and tear, which should prolong his career. The Frenchman won't be the first dope we've had at West Ham, of course, but he can certainly beat players and score goals — I still remember a sensational mazy dribble and goal he scored for the Gunners against Porto in the Champions League. Even on a hefty wage bill he could prove to be an astute signing.