Why Zan Vipotnik will be cheaper for West Ham to sign in January after disrupted summer transfer

Zan Vipotnik could once again be at the top of West Ham United's transfer list come January.

The summer window has now slammed shut, and the Hammers have brought in one centre-forward with the arrival of Joel Piroe.

However, there were rumours that both Pablo and Taty Castellanos could have left the London Stadium earlier in the summer.

Vipotnik was one man mentioned with joining West Ham, though with Castellanos and Pablo staying put, Nuno Espirito Santo has what he needs for a strong first half of the season.

But the Irons will prepare for any possibilities ahead of the January window opening, as the striker situation is always one to look out for in the winter.

Vipotnik would have costed West Ham a premium from Swansea, but perhaps the stars have aligned in a positive way above E20 for once.

How much Zan Vipotnik would have cost West Ham this summer

West Ham were credited with interest in Vipotnik after his stellar 25-goal campaign for Swansea City last term.

He would have most likely been the Hammers' main main if he were to sign, which meant everything depended on what happened with Castellanos.

West Ham were also linked with a January move for the Swansea hit-man before their Premier League relegation, but same as this summer, nothing materialised.

As reported by Slovenian outlet Nogo Mania in August, the Swans valued the 24-year-old at £20million this summer.

Newly-promoted Hull City had a bid in the region of £10m knocked back by the Championship side.

But West Ham may be able to get the Slovenian international on a discounted price this winter.

Why West Ham could get Vipotnik discount in January

Swansea are unbeaten in their first five Championship games, and look a real attacking threat.

However, Vipotnik has only started one of those five matches, since losing his place to in-form Adam Idah.

It's possible that head coach Vitor Matos has been leaving the player out of his starting eleven with ongoing interest, but no goals in a total of six games so far is not good for the player's market value.

Transfermarkt have already lowered his supposed value to £18.8m, and that could keep falling if things continue.

Not to mention that another couple of months will have been trimmed from his contract by the January window.

West Ham will surely be keeping tabs on his involvement, as it's not for a lack of quality. Perhaps his heart is already set on the Irons.