West Ham are working on strengthening the squad ahead of the new season, as we provide the second part of ExWHUEmployee’s update.

“Edson Alvarez is said to be in the squad for the match tomorrow and could play against Portsmouth,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon.

“The manager has been impressed by his attitude since he returned from World Cup duty.

“It was thought that Alvarez would like to move on with Ajax, Real Sociedad, and a few other clubs expressing an interest.

“No club, however, has been able to match his wages, and therefore, he remains a West Ham player.

“As I exclusively revealed, he was at the photo shoot for the team photos and was said to have been in good spirits about his future.

“One player who is looking increasingly likely to leave is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He did not turn up for the photoshoot, and it seems both Everton and Aston Villa, as well as some other European teams, could be looking at his Signature.

“The club are also desperate to offload the two other players who don’t turn up for the photoshoot in terms of Todibo and Fulkrug.

“There are a number of clubs looking at Todibo (including Juventus, Napoli and Marseille) but not willing to pay the fee for the defender.

“We could be prepared to take a significant loss on both him and Fulkrug as a few Italian and German clubs look at his signature.

“The club are braced for another offer for Diouf too, with maybe Brentford set to revisit, but they still maintain their stance that unless it’s a substantial offer, they do not wish to sell.

“The club also continue to negotiate with Az Alkmaar for the signing of Troy Parrott. The signing could be a record fee paid for a Championship player, and we also wish to get this done ASAP.

“There are other forward targets that could come into play, and almost all of them have been named by me previously.

“Whilst some people said Sunderland had made it clear they do not wish to sell Wilson Isidor or loan him like we offered, it is thought they could consider an offer if it is a good one and they can line up a replacement.

“The club has agreed for Daniel Cummings and Josh Landers to be allowed to go out on loan this season, with Cheltenham, Southend, and Ayr United all said to be keen on the later.

Other academy players should be leaving on loan in the coming days too including a keeper to Braintree Town.

“Lewis Orford is said to have impressed in preseason and during training and is set to be given his chance in the first team. Keiber Lamadrid, the permanent summer signing, has been ruled out with an injury for a couple of weeks, so will miss his opportunity to impress.

“Reports that Dele Ali has been training with the club have also been strongly rejected by the club.”