Irons sell to buy operation won’t work in January

West Ham’s owners will have few cash raising opportunities should they be looking to stage another sell to buy operation in January as was the case in the summer.

With cover  needed in several positions – left back, defensive midfield and up front – it seems clear that the club will again need to enter the winter market.

And news that they have  borrowed money from Barclays Bank against next summer’s TV money suggests they may well be preparing to  find funds …HOPEFULLY..

The injury to Mikey Antonio has backed the view that the club should have found a back-up striker in the summer and whilst Aaron Cresswell is in outstanding form, injury would leave us relying on Arthur Masuaku.

The position in midfield is an even bigger worry as we see no cover for Tomas Soucek or Declan Ricce should injury strike beyond Mark Noble.

And as one takes a look at Moyes’ selling options they seem restricted to Robert Snodgrass and Ryan Fredericks, of whom he has actually spoken very well.

Manu Lanzini might be reluctantly added to that list but the truth is we are very unlikely to be raising the sort of cash required for a decent striker who won’t come cheap.

Whether the board move or gamble on everybody’s fitness remains to be seen but it would be a foolhardy move were they to do so.