West Ham’s approach in the upcoming January transfer window is understood to have changed, with ExWHUEmployee providing an update.

As had been reported previously, the club had prioritised getting a new striker in for the new year, and although we are still very much in the market for a forward, it appears the focus has changed to a left-winger.

Our Podcast co-host and club insider Ex has advised that this is to allow for Lucas Paqueta to play a more central role in the side, where he is deemed more effective, with Ex now providing news on a couple of targets identified as possible acquisitions in the upcoming transfer window.

“The priority position for recruitment this window appears to be shifting with the focus moving to a left winger from a forward, although both positions are still having targets identified,” reported Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon. “A centre back is also being considered. One thing that the club are trying to do is sign home grown players to meet the quota requirements imposed on English teams.

“One player that is an interesting target is Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho. The player is massively out of favour at Old Trafford following his £73m move from German giants Borussia Dortmund.

“At the age of 23 he is still considered young and is homegrown having been born in London, whilst starting at Watford’s Academy before moving to Manchester City’s. There is a consideration that he could have a similar impact to what Jesse Lingard hard when he arrived.

“The massive stumbling block will be his wages, which are reported to be as high as £250k a week. West Ham would of course not be prepared to pay this – but a loan deal whereby Manchester a United cover a percentage of his wages might be something that can be agreed although seems a challenge right now.

“We have also expressed an interest in is Reiss Nelson of Arsenal. He could be available as Arsenal look to raise funds and squad space for new forward players. Whilst it’s being reported that we have interest in their forward Eddie Nketiah, we believe that in fact Reiss Nelson is at this stage a more likely target.

“Jack Clarke from Sunderland as well as his team-mate, defender Daniel Ballard although the later isn’t thought to be a priority for now. Another championship winger, Jonathan Rowe or Norwich City has also been monitored, although he isn’t that experienced having only played 27 times since starting his career he has really impressed this season in East Anglia.

“Samuel Iling-Junior of Juventus is also someone who has been watched. He is another home grown player having been born in Islington and was a product of Chelsea’s Academy.”

Understandably this casts a doubt on the long term futures of existing players, namely Said Benrhama and Max Cornet, who are understood to be of the interest of other clubs.

“A player who could depart is Said Benrahma – who has lost form this season and has frustrated the management a number of times this season, including when subbed off against Liverpool walking off before his number had appeared.

“Benrahma has a number of French clubs interested in his services including Marseille and Lyon. There bas also been interest in the Algerian international from Saudi Arabian teams but they are more likely to make their move in the summer whereas West Ham want to obtained the money now.

“Maxwell Cornet could also leave with French interest and from his former manager Sean Dyche at Everton. The problem with him is that he has an ongoing calf injury which means clubs are reluctant to commit to signing him.”

Ex will be keeping fans fully up to date on all transfer news and other club matters on The West Ham Way Patreon.