EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Toyin Oshodi/ProSports/Shutterstock (10570845a) A general view of the West Ham United corner flag inside The London Stadium prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at the London Stadium, London West Ham United v Southampton, Premier League - 29 Feb 2020
Despite a recent slump, West Ham have had a solid start to their 2023/24 season, and the club are reportedly looking to strengthen further in the January transfer window.
David Moyes and Tim Steidten’s summer signings for West Ham have all worked out brilliantly, with James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez seeing a little more action than Mohammed Kudus and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Following the high of winning the Europa Conference League title last season, it was critical for the Hammers to continue in the same vein rather than allowing that to become the high point before falling away once more.
It’s clear that they still need to strengthen in a variety of areas, both for squad depth and for new players who can step right into the starting XI.
The Hammers were planning an audacious move for Juventus’ brilliant defensive midfielder, Manuel Locatelli, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the east Londoners are preparing a €40 million/£35 million bid for the player, but this is doomed to fail.
‘Although there have been rumours that West Ham are willing to pay £35 million for Manuel Locatelli, I’ve reported that he’s close to signing a new contract with Juventus,’ the CaughtOffside columnist wrote in his exclusive Daily Briefing.
‘Right now, I’m not aware of any different movement; perhaps in the summer, but not right now.’
With that option no longer available, director of football Tim Steidten and Moyes will have to get their act together to bring in someone of comparable quality during the January window.
