Duo were left out of pre-season friendly and it suggests two West Ham transfer deals could be close for Aaron Cresswell and his replacement.
Whisper it quietly but West Ham might just be on the verge of finally making an exciting signing in the summer transfer window.
Despite relentless shelling from West Ham’s scattergun in the last two weeks, David Moyes is yet to take any victories in the transfer market.
That has caused serious concerns among Hammers fans who remember only too well the flirtation with relegation and struggles to score goals in the Premier League for much of last season.
And for those who don’t, there was a stark reminder in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Ligue 1 side Rennes.
Duo left out of friendly and it suggests two West Ham transfer deals could be close for Aaron Cresswell and his replacement
But perhaps the most interesting thing about that particular match for West Ham supporters was the players who were not involved.
Duo were left out of pre-season friendly and it could suggest two West Ham transfer deals are close for Aaron Cresswell and his replacement.
Left-back Cresswell was not involved in the West Ham squad and did not travel to France for the game as speculation swirls over a move to Wolves.
It has been reported Cresswell – who is keen on the move to Wolves – has sat out training of late, either through choice or direction, as that potential £5m move hangs in the balance.
But it was an omission on the other team that should excite West Ham fans.
Report claims Hammers have opened talks for £15m Truffert on same day he is pulled out of friendly against them
Because young France international left-back Adrien Truffert was pulled out of the game against the Hammers.
And it came on the same day Football Insider reported talks had taken place over a potential £15m deal to bring him to the London Stadium.
Rennes have been frustrated in their attempts to get Truffert signed up to a new contract. His current deal expires in 2025.
He has been linked with a move to West Ham for the last month. And reports claim a deal could be done for £15m.
The site’s sources state West Ham launched talks with Rennes over Truffert.
Exactly the kind of exciting young player West Ham should be targeting
So that may well explain his exclusion from the squad for the game against Moyes’ side.
Hammers fans will certainly be hoping so.
Because the 21-year-old is exactly the kind of young, pacy, modern full-back they want to see brought in to replace the ageing and now potentially Wolves-bound Cresswell.
Truffert has scored four goals and provided 14 assists so far in his first-term career and has already made his debut for the France national team.
Channels of communication are already well established with Rennes after West Ham sent £30m their way last summer for Nayef Aguerd.