West Ham United target talks 'ongoing' with European giants as Premier League star seeks January exit

West Ham United remain deep in relegation trouble despite a clear upturn in recent weeks, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have lost just once in six matches but find themselves in the bottom three as we enter the festive period.

The Hammers have the form of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest to thank for this, as both clubs lie just two points clear of the relegation zone ahead of what looks set to be a tense battle to avoid the drop.

West Ham’s transfer business in January can often prove a key point of difference ahead of a fresh start in the new year, and the Hammers have seen several major transfer links arise ahead of the winter window opening in just under three weeks’ time.

Nuno has evidently begun to get a tune out of many of his players, seeing stars such as Freddie Potts emerge and a return to goalscoring form for summer signing Callum Wilson. One or two key additions could be viewed as the difference to take the Irons to a new level.

Another striker option has been earmarked as a potential focus for the east London outfit, though recent reports have emerged that a Hammers target could be set to move elsewhere in January, in what would be a major blow for the Premier League strugglers.

West Ham target Joshua Zirkzee in talks with Roma move

Reports from Sky Sport Italy state that there are ‘ongoing negotiations’ between Roma and Manchester United over striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has been a target for West Ham in recent months but may find himself returning to Serie A in the new year.

The Dutchman is said to be Roma’s ‘number one target’ as the club aim to bring in a new attacking option for Gian Piero Gasperini to strengthen their push for the top four in Serie A.

The Italian club are reportedly seeking a loan with an option to buy based on ‘certain objectives’, while the Red Devils are thought to be ready to sanction a permanent deal for the forward, who has featured just eight times in the Premier League this season but scored a well-taken goal in the recent victory at Crystal Palace.

Negotiations between the two clubs are set to continue, with Roma hoping to have a deal secured by the first days of the transfer window when it opens on January 1.

Zirkzee linked with West Ham amidst lack of forward options

West Ham saw transfer links with Zirkzee emerge earlier this autumn amidst goalscoring problems for Nuno’s side, as Niclas Fullkrug remains on the sidelines to leave the pressure on Wilson to deliver the goods. Though he has scored a respectable four times, 33-year-old Wilson is also injury-prone, and another striking option could make a great difference in seeing recent draws turn into victories.

Netherlands international Zirkzee has fallen out of favour with his national side and is seeking a January move in order to earn a World Cup place for next summer.

Zirkzee has rarely been prolific in his career thus far but certainly offers a creative option up front, linking up well with the players around him and popping up with important goals. It appears likely that the 24-year-old will be on the move in January, with Roma appearing to be front-runners but a Premier League transfer not out of the question.