West Ham are going into the final few hours of the January transfer deadline without any new signings at the club.
The Hammers are continuing to work on a number of deals in a bid to strengthen their squad before the 11pm deadline but have so far seen their approaches knocked back.
West Ham are understood to have put a club record bid in the region of £50million in for Darwin Nunez but have seen this rejected by Benfica according to Sky Sports. The Portuguese outfit are keen to hang onto their top goalscorer meaning the Hammers would have to return with a much improved offer if they wish to secure the Uruguayan's signature before the deadline.
If no deal for Nunez can be completed the Hammers may return their sights to Hugo Ekitike, West Ham were understood to have been considering a move for the French teenager earlier in the window but looked to be beaten to it by Newcastle. However, reports by The Athletic and Sky Sports claim that Ekitike's move to St. James' Park is close to breaking down, opening the door for West Ham should they retain an interest in the striker.
One player that is more likely to sign is Jesse Lingard with the Manchester United player receiving the blessing of interim manager Ralph Rangnick to depart Old Trafford. West Ham have made a deadline day inquiry about Lingard with a view to a loan move for the remainder of the season on improved terms for United to the loan deal 12 months ago.
football.London understands that Lingard has expressed his preference to United for a move to West Ham over Newcastle, who are also keen on the 29-year-old. However, the Red Devils have previously rejected both West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur's approaches as they do not wish to strengthen a direct rival for a top-four spot.
A move back to the London Stadium for Lingard now rests in the hands of the Manchester United board relaxing their stance or insisting Lingard remains away from a rival club.
West Ham's move to strengthen their defence has also taken a blow with a move for Duje Caleta-Car looking increasingly unlikely. West Ham have been pushing for a loan with an option to buy deal with Marseille but the French outfit are insisting on a permanent deal.
One deal involving West Ham has been completed today with Frederick Alves departing the club on a permanent basis. The Danish Under-21 international has returned to Denmark and signed with Brondby IF after a little over 12 months at the London Stadium.
Alves may not be the only departure from West Ham today with a number of members of the Under-23 squad potentially heading out on loan for the remainder of the season to gain valuable first-team experience.
