By Saikat Mandal

19th Nov, 2022 | 9:10am

West Ham United could miss out on Ben Brereton Diaz as David Moyes outlines transfer plans

West Ham could miss out on Ben Brereton Diaz again in the January transfer window, according to a report from Claret and Hugh.

The reliable Hammers source has suggested that their hopes of signing the striker from Blackburn Rovers are fading, as the player could look to stay put until the end of the season.

90min reported on 8 November that the Hammers are one of the clubs vying for Diaz’s signature in January; the player will be a free agent in the summer.

Claret and Hugh add that the player may hold out for a potential free transfer in the summer, with a “huge” signing-on fee could be added to the deal, but he is unlikely to change his mind in January.

In any case, the Hammers are unlikely to move for a striker this month, as David Moyes is looking to bolster his midfield and defensive options.

Makes sense

The Chile striker was one of the stand-out players in the Championship last season, where he scored 22 goals in 38 games. 

He has started the present campaign strongly, scoring 10 goals in all competitions already. At 23, he is about the enter the peak of his career, and he would have been a fantastic signing for the club. 

However, Moyes has got other plans. The Hammers have two very good strikers in the form of Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio, and they can manage without signing another one. 

Instead, it is the defence that needs bolstering. Craig Dawson could leave the club in the summer, while Kurt Zouma’s ankle injury could be a cause for concern. 

Nayef Aguerd has only returned to full fitness, and Moyes may need another extra body at the back. In midfield, Moyes has got options, but Moyes could look to bring in another top player, with Tomas Soucek’s long-term future at the club has come into big doubt.