Nuno Espirito Santo said this after James McAtee signing as West Ham plot headline new transfer

West Ham United have finally been unleashed in the market, with James McAtee an ambitious early target.

With well-known financial restrictions after relegation from the Premier League, it was never going to be easy.

Daniel Kretinsky and the London Stadium boardroom are working hard to eradicate losses, starting with inevitable player sales.

First up was Mateus Fernandes, who Tottenham splashed an unbelievable £85million to sign last week.

With gaps in midfield and further exits expected for the likes of Crysencio Summerville, attention will quickly turn to incomings.

That's where McAtee comes in, with Nuno Espirito Santo already having history.

Could West Ham actually sign James McAtee?

This one has come out of absolutely nowhere.

The Daily Mail has reported in its print edition on Monday that McAtee is an "ambitious" target for the Irons.

It is said that West Ham are preparing their move already, with the England playmaker seen as a replacement for Fernandes.

The only issue would be whether or not McAtee would actually drop back into the Championship, having spent a year on loan there with Sheffield United.

It didn't lead to his breakthrough at Manchester City, who instead sold him to Nottingham Forest, and ironically Nuno, for £30m.

Unfortunately, McAtee is still highly regarded at the City Ground, and could be favoured by incoming boss, Oliver Glasner.

What did Nuno Espirito Santo say about James McAtee?

In his usual ways, he wasn't very forthcoming.

Nuno didn't last much longer after McAtee was signed, with Evangelos Marinakis sacking him weeks later.

Sacked 18 days after the signing, it maybe explains why the Portuguese boss focused more on the need for more bodies than that one transfer.

Nuno openly called out failings in the market, admitting his side was "not prepared" for the Premier League.

West Ham have wanted McAtee for years, going back to his City days, so having Nuno in charge could actually swing the dial in their favour.

It would be a huge surprise if it were to happen in the Championship, but this is the kind of ambition that has been missing for years at the London Stadium.

It's time to go all out to get back in the Premier League.