The chances of Jack Wilshere making a long speculated move to the London Stadium finally look dead and buried this morning.
The Arsenal midfielder has been heavily linked with the Irons for months but is now closing in on a deal which will see him remain in north London.
The Hammers were uncertain about signing him in the winter transfer window given his long injury record but the player was keen and there was strong speculation that his agent had been told to do a deal with the Irons if possible.
Now however, despite Arsene Wenger’s retirement from the club it seems that Wilshre is close to agreeing a weekly deal of £110,000 with the club.
The Hammers, meanwhile, could well turn to 28 year old Welshman Joe Allen to fill the midfield role which could have been earmarked for the Arsenal man.
Allen is a hardworking and creative midfielder whose career has spanned spells at Swansea, Liverpool and Stoke and is a favoured option should David Moyes remain at the club.