West Ham United transfer stance shared as David Moyes targets two players
West Ham manager David Moyes will likely have to rely on the loan market to sign players in two troublesome positions he has identified, according to Hugh Southon.
The former Evening Standard reporter posted in an update on Claret & Hugh (11 October) that West Ham are not expected to make any permanent signings in the winter window.
Loan deals have not been entirely ruled out, however, with Moyes said to be looking to bring in a left-back and a striker if the opportunity to do so presents itself.
The report adds that United are “spent up” after signing Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Mohammed Kudus and Konstantinos Mavropanos in the summer, with those arrivals offsetting the £105million brought in through Declan Rice’s sale to Arsenal.
Back-up may be needed
West Ham’s squad looks pretty stacked right now, but that could of course slowly start to change as the season goes on and injuries begin to occur.
The Hammers do not boast a proper out-and-out striker – unless you can label Michail Antonio that – and that appears next on Moyes’ agenda.
For now, he has the option of fielding the more-than-capable Antonio there, as well as versatile pair Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
Left-back was a position that the club surprisingly did not strengthen in the summer, but Aaron Cresswell can at least provide competition to Emerson Palmieri for now.
In truth, any further permanent signings in January never looked like being on the cards anyway, but it is good to know loan options are a possibility should push come to shove.
The January window may still be 82 days away from opening, but those high up at London Stadium are no doubt already starting to get a few things in place ready to pounce if needs be.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers coach has admitted he would take Eden Hazard on trial at the club.