West Ham’s desire to throw everything at survival appears to be lacking as the clock ticks down on the January transfer window.

The club is in a full scale battle to remain in the Premier League, looking to avoid a situation which could prove catastrophic for the club.

Yet, looking at it from anyone on the outside, they’d be forgiven for thinking it’s just business as usual in east London.

Although players have arrived, many have departed including a Brazil playmaker in Lucas Paqueta – with no indications as yet he will be replaced in any way shape or form.

While West Ham are looking at loan options and plasters over the squad, relegation rivals like Nottingham Forest have their eyes on players like Mateta at Crystal Palace.

It’s a picture that shows that the hugely loathed board at the club are either not realising the gravity of the situation, or simply don’t care enough.

On the pitch, things have improved under Nuno, with hope in recent weeks growing that there is a chance of survival – but it certainly won’t be down to ambition from the likes of David Sullivan and Karren Brady.

It’s a club lacking any ambition, hunger and direction. Keeping fingers crossed instead and hoping for a miracle.

That’s not impossible at this stage, but it won’t have anything to do with the board, who are proving once again they are simply incapable of running the club.

Whatever happens this season, their days have to be numbered.