Dan Carter

Tue 30 January 2024 16:10, UK

Advanced talks are underway between Real Betis and West Ham United for the permanent transfer of Pablo Fornals in the final stages of the window, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

The Sky Sports journalist reported via his X account on Tuesday (30 January) that the Spanish giants are progressing in talks to sign the Irons midfielder and remain hopeful that they can complete a permanent deal before Thursday’s (1 February) deadline.

Betis are set to sell Luiz Henrique to Botafogo imminently and the 23-year-old’s transfer will help Manuel Pellegrini’s side fund a permanent move for Fornals who only has 18 months left on his contract at the London Stadium.

Best for all parties

Fornals will always be a West Ham hero as he played a crucial role in the Hammers’ run to the Europa Conference League final, but it feels best for all parties if the Spanish midfielder moves on before Thursday night’s deadline.

The 27-year-old has been little more than a support act in the Premier League this season, only starting four of the Hammers’ 21 league matches, with the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta keeping him out of David Moyes’ starting XI.

By selling him in the final days of the January window, West Ham will ensure that they receive a reasonable fee for the midfielder, as his stock will likely fall if he remains in East London for the next six months, especially if he remains rooted to the bench.

Hopefully, this deal will be completed sooner rather than later so that Moyes and his recruitment team have some opportunity to reinvest that money back into the playing side before the end of the window. Otherwise, the Scotsman may have left himself short of options.

In other West Ham news, Moyes’ stance has emerged on the Hammers signing a new striker late in the window

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