West Ham United’s pursuit of Bournemouth’s Josh King was described by the striker himself as the worst kept secret of the last window.
Coufal gets the Haller treatment but West Ham fans calling for action have short memories
But it seems the fact West Ham are prioritising a move for King in January is not far behind.
King has spoken of his heartache at having missed out on a move to West Ham (Daily Mail).
Insiders close to West Ham owners continue to repeat King claims
But West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh have been claiming that David Moyes still wants to sign King.
And co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are even said to be planning a payment structure to make it possible despite money being tight.
But is the real clue that King looks likely to be on his way to the London Stadium next month coming from Bournemouth?
The Norwegian is out of contract in the summer.
So January represents the south coast club’s last chance to make some money back on him.
Cherries protecting their asset ahead of January deal?
King has made just three appearances for the Cherries this season.
Speculation on social media and fan forums claims that Bournemouth could be protecting their asset to minimise the risk of an injury which might scupper any January deal.
Particularly seeing as though they are riding high in second place in the Championship table more than a third of the way through the season.
King tested positive for Covid-19 on November 20th and was forced to self isolate for 10 days (Bournemouth Echo).
But he was once again left out of the Bournemouth squad which beat Barnsley 4-0 last time out.
Moyes priority signing looks to have played his last game for promotion hopefuls
With the window opening in just over three weeks, the West Ham target could well have played his last game for the Cherries.
West Ham’s desperate need for a mobile, versatile, hard-working striker has been highlighted by Michail Antonio’s absence.
According to the likes of Football Insider West Ham have an agreement with Bournemouth over a cut-price deal for King in January.
And it is in the Cherries’s interests to make sure King is fit for that deal to go through next month.
The only problem for Moyes will be a distinct lack of match fitness given the 28-year-old’s lack of game time.