West Ham will be looking to strengthen if and where possible this January, with our club insider ExWHUEmployee providing an update.
As has been reported previously by our Podcast co-host, the club will need to operate within the parameters of Financial Fair Play, and therefore potential business in the new year will require the club to generate funds or explore the loan market.
Ex has reported that Tim Steidten and his team have been working to identify targets who the club could look to acquire as we look to mount another challenge to finish within the European spots once again.
ExWHUEmployee has provided an update on the current state of play in terms of potential incomings, whilst also advising on the squad members who could depart east London.
Timo Werner
The former Chelsea striker is understood to be available on loan, which would suit all parties.
Werner is a player who is eager to be playing, as his return at RB Leipzig has fallen flat – therefore a return to London ahead of the European championships next summer could appeal to the pace forward.
Ex has advised though that the club are currently playing now the likelihood of this move at this stage.
It has also been reported elsewhere that other clubs are also keeping tabs, including Manchester United.
Steven Bergwijn
Former Spurs winger and forward Bergwijn is a player the club are keeping a close eye on, with the Ajax player linked with a return to the Premier League.
Despite his time in north London not being as successful as many as expected, he is still highly rated and a player that could fit the system well at West Ham.
Although there is interest, Ex has stated that a move is not as close as some recent reports have suggested.
Dominic Solanke
Solanke was a target for the club in the summer, with Bournemouth at the time quoting our Hammers £60m for his services, which was out of our prove range.
He is a player the club highly admire and could well look to bring to east London. However, FFP will mean that significant funds will need to be raised, which could prove the stumbling block in January.
Akor Adams
The club are currently monitoring the Montpellier striker, with the player in fine form in Ligue 1 so far this season.
Adams has netted 7 goals so far and has attracted much interest. It could be though that the asking price for his services would make him an attractive option in the new year.
Serhou Guirassy
The Guinean international has been in blistering form for Stuggart this season, and understandably has many top clubs keeping close tabs.
Much like Adams though, his asking price would be palatable for West Ham and therefore there is strong interest from the club.
That being said, with so much interest it would certainly be a battle to land his signature.
Leif Davis
Although not a striker, the club are understood to hold a very strong interest in Ipswich left-back Leif David – who is seen as a potential long term replacement for Aaron Cresswell.
The club are one of many clubs keeping close tabs on the 23 year old, who is known for his excellent deliveries, but this player is more likely to be a summer target rather than a January pursuit.
Player exits
Said Benrahma is a player of interest in Saudi Arabia, which could well pave the way for the club to generate funds in the new year.
Considering the player is now 28 years of age, plus the culture in Saudi being a lure for Benrahma and his family, it could be a move that works for all parties.
Max Cornet was a player of significant interest from Everton in the summer, plus a return to Burnley maybe an option. So it remains to be seen if a club will test West Ham this January, as we look to raise capital to reinvest.
Danny Ings is a current issue with his high wages, making him a player harder to offload. Should West Ham look to sell, then it’s likely we’d have to subsidise his wages.