West Ham winger 'in negotiations' for La Liga move after £15m transfer decision

West Ham United could be set to lose Pablo Fornals in the final days of January with reports suggesting they are 'in negotiations' with Real Betis over a move for the attacking midfielder.

The Hammers confirmed their first piece of January business earlier this week with Kalvin Phillips joining on loan from Manchester City. They beat competition from Newcastle and Crystal Palace to the midfielder, although reports of an option to buy are conflicting.

Activity at the London Stadium looks set to continue with reports suggesting they are 'close to reaching an agreement' for highly-rated FC Nordsjaelland winger Ibrahim Osman. The 19-year-old could cost around £15million and so the Hammers could be left with a decision to make.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo now reports that West Ham are in talks with Real Betis over a potential sale of Fornals. Betis have around £17m to play with after selling Luiz Henrique to Brazilian side Botafogo and are hoping to use it before the month's end.

Fornals is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024 but has fallen down the pecking order in recent months, starting just four Premier League matches. The 27-year-old has been usurped by Mohammed Kudus and also Lucas Paqueta, who has been operating on the left-wing at times. A move for Osman would only further restrict Fornals’ minutes at the London Stadium and he is thought to be open to leaving in search of more regular football.

Spanish international Fornals is yet to register a single goal or assist from 23 appearances across all competitions this season, albeit 12 of those have come off the bench. David Moyes' side paid an initial £34m for the attacking midfielder back in 2019 and will hope to recoup a decent portion of that if they decide to sell, potentially breaking even from a £15m signing of Osman.

The Ghanaian winger has a goal and four assists in 16 league appearances for Nordsjaelland and is a product of the Dream Academy, which aided in the development of other stars from the African country including Kudus.