West Ham have decided against signing Carlos Soler on a permanent deal this January, according to Football Insider.
The Spaniard joined on a season-long loan from PSG last summer but has been inconsistent with his performances, recording just one goal and one assist in 19 first-team appearances. His only goal came at London Stadium in the Hammers’ 3-2 win over Fulham last week.
It’s believed the Hammers have a £17m option to buy the midfielder but have made the decision to focus on other deals in the winter transfer window.
That’s according to FI’s Pete O’Rourke, who claims sources have told him West Ham have other priorities this month.
It’s unclear whether or not that means the club has decided whether they intend to make Soler’s stay a permanent one in the summer.
It’s a decision that makes perfect sense at this stage. Other areas of the squad have more of a priority and there is no point in spending precious transfer funds who is already at the club and cannot be recalled.
There is, of course, concern that the club is yet to make a signing this January.
Injuries to Michail Antonio, Niclas Fullkrug, Jarrod Bowen and Cyrsencio Summerville mean recruiting at least one striker is paramount for new manager Graham Potter.
The club made an official approach for a striker earlier this week, which was rejected, while there’s still hope Brighton will decide to allow Evan Ferguson to leave the AMEX Stadium before the month is out.