West Ham may well have have missed the boat over Chelsea wing-back Ian Maatsen as the shadow and spending power of Manchester City looms.
Chelsea are working on a new deal for the player but risk losing him on a free transfer until anything is signed. Right now there is no sign of that happening and he has no wish to return to Burnley on another loan.
Due to the doubt surrounding Aaron Cresswell’s continued employment – he has subsequently stayed – we took our foot off the accelerator for young Maatsen and now City has swaggered into the room.
Maatsen has so far refused to sign a new contract and does not want to return to Burnley on loan according to various reports.
He was on David Moyes wish list as the natural successor to Cresswell given that as they are both naturally left footed but not for the first time we were not quick enough and now face losing him if City get to him.
However, the guy may do well to remember he has more chance of very regular first team football with us than the league leaders.