West Ham United could part ways with two first-team players if they sign Liverpool-owned Aston Villa loanee Harvey Elliott.
Nuno Espirito Santo is keen on strengthening his strongest eleven as he aims to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
With one month left for the transfer window to open, it makes sense for the Hammers to begin planning their potential incomings and outgoings.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesJames Ward-Prowse and Andy Irving could leave West Ham United
James Ward-Prowse and Andy Irving appear to have fallen out of favour with Nuno and a January exit appears to be on the cards.
Ward-Prowse has not been included in a matchday squad since the fifth gameweek of the season and it’s hard to see a way back for the 31-year-old.
Irving is also likely to leave West Ham and there could be interest from Wrexham, Celtic and Rangers, among others.
Is now the time for Nuno to give George Earthy a chance?
The Scotland international’s contract at the London Stadium runs out in the summer, so January is the last chance for the Irons to cash in on him.
Sanctioning these two exits does make sense if they succeed in their efforts to sign Elliott.
The Mirror reported in its print edition on Sunday that the Hammers want to be kept informed on the midfielder’s situation, as his loan move at Villa has not panned out well.
Liverpool could recall him in January and then cash in on him and RB Leipzig are also keen on signing him.
Elliott is a summer target for West Ham, so they could bring in someone on loan before shelling out big money on Elliott ahead of next season.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty ImagesHow much is Harvey Elliott worth?
Villa have a conditional obligation to buy him for £35million, but that is void if Liverpool recall him in January.
Also, if he does not fulfil his conditions, Villa will not have to pay the Reds the pre-agreed fee.
Thus, this could give the Hammers negotiating power in the summer and negotiate his price down to around £25million.
It remains to be seen if the Irons sign a midfielder permanently in January or wait until the summer to bring in Elliott permanently.
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