Hammers face tough task to get their man

West Ham are unlikely to be able to prise defender Alfie Mawson out of  Swansea in January despite their best attempts.

Amid reports that a £25 million bid is on the way after an £18 million offer was rejected for the England under 21 international, the Hammers are being forced to accept that they are likely to have to wait until summer.

David Moyes is desperate to reinforce the defence and midfield but we were told by a top club insider this evening that although the club are admirers of the player: “It’s a seriously difficult time to buy the players you really want.”

Swansea – marooned at the bottom of the Premier League – are highly reluctant to let the player leave but the Hammers will keep pushing despite accepting the degree of difficulty involved.

David Moyes has made his intentions very clear when dropping Winston Reid for the match against Bournemouth and is known to be uncertain about Jose Fonte and Sam Byram’s futures.