West Ham are continuing to prioritise a new left-winger in this January transfer window, with ExWHUEmployee providing an update on the situation.

Following a very positive first half of the season and with subsequent injury and player absence at present, it is hoped the club will be able to strengthen as we look to push on for the second period of the campaign.

The club have already sanctioned the loan with obligation-to-buy deal of Thilo Kehrer to Monaco, and we understand there are others who could depart, with Said Benrahma in particular looking likely to exit east London.

Our Podcast co-host and club insider Ex has provided an update on the pursuit of potential reinforcements, with the home-grown quota a key factor in our decision making within the market.

“The left wing position still remains the priority and there is a preference for a home grown player,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon. “This is where Jack Clarke of Sunderland, a name we exclusively revealed to you as a target comes into play.

The former Spurs player has been on form for them and really impressed in the Championship. We have a good relationship with Sunderland following the sale of both Alese and Ekwah to them, so that they may be prepared to do business with us.

“There is even discussions that could involve removing the sell on percentages agreed in those deals to bring down the overall cost but this is early speculation.”

Ex has also provided an update on the potential move for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, as was exclusively reported by Ex previously, with it understood that the Gunners would be open to allowing the 24 year-old depart north London.

“Whilst the player is said to want to remain at The Gunners he was a target before and we still maintain that interest,” stated Ex. “Nelson started Arsenal’s last match against Liverpool but it is thought that they are prepared to cash in either on a loan deal with a view to a permanent, or a permanent deal so they can fund a move for a forward.”

Another player The West Ham Way can exclusively reveal the club are showing interest in, is 19-year old Brazilian wonder kid Savio, who currently plies his trade with La Liga club Girona. However, Ex has stressed the competition for his signature is fierce, so at this stage its not known how likely this potential move is.

“The Brazilian is currently on loan at Girona (from Troyes) who are having an amazing season sitting joint top with Madrid in La Liga,” reported our man-in-the-know.

“It is very unlikely Troyes would want him to end that deal or the player would want to, being on the brink of such an achievement. If however the club would entertain an offer then us alongside some big clubs would be keen. Barcelona and Arsenal are said to want the player and the eventual plan seems for him to go to Manchester City, Girona are part of the City Group that owns numerous clubs across the world obviously including Manchester City.

“The deal is very unlikely but should the player wish to prove himself in the Premier League ahead of a potential move to Manchester City, a loan deal would be something we would be very keen on.”

In terms of exits, it seems Said Benrahma could be set to depart the club, with Lyon, Marseille and Saudi clubs keen on the winger. The same is said for Pablo Fornals, who has interest from Sevilla, although the club may wish to keep the Spaniard until the summer and wait on a better option then.

In other news, Calum Marshall it appears is being promoted the the senior squad, with the player set to sign a new deal with the club. With his ability to operate from the left-hand side, it provides David Moyes with another option.

Ex will be keeping fans up to date on all club news as it happens on The West Ham Way Patreon.