West Ham have opened talks to finally finish what they started with Charlie Cresswell — and it comes as part of an ambitious double raid on Ligue 1.
With Nuno Espirito Santo on board and leading a revival on the pitch, West Ham appear to mean business off it ahead of the January transfer window.
The Hammers left themselves well short with their lack of serious summer recruitment, particularly up front and in defence.
As a result West Ham find themselves in a relegation battle.
Nuno has breathed new life into the team and they have responded with back-to-back wins over Newcastle and Burnley over the last week.
However, the manager has made it clear there is a long way to go with those victories merely pulling West Ham level with the teams above them.
West Ham scared into taking January window seriously
The team arguably faces its toughest run of the season on paper in the six games after the international break.
So West Ham will likely be involved in a dog fight for the foreseeable future.
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That’s why the January transfer window will be absolutely crucial.
It represents West Ham and Nuno’s big chance to make sure they have the quality and numbers needed to pull clear of a disastrous relegation.
The Hammers have made it clear signing a new striker is the number one priority.
Especially as West Ham are set to offload Niclas Fullkrug with Wolfsburg favourites to sign him.
Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell during England v Azerbaijan - UEFA U21 Euro 2025 Qualifier
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In a recent leak to a top Sky Sports journalist, David Sullivan revealed West Ham’s January transfer plans to back Nuno.
Those plans include signing a centre-back and midfielder in addition to a new forward as a bare minimum.
On deadline day in the summer the Hammers held late talks over four targets to bolster their squad.
One of those targets was Toulouse and England Under 21 star Charlie Cresswell.
The former Leeds defender had been linked with a move to West Ham all summer but a deal fell apart due to the obligation to buy amount in a proposed loan deal.
West Ham want Cresswell in double Ligue 1 raid
In the end only Igor Julio arrived on a straight season-long loan from Brighton.
Now West Ham are in talks to finish what they started with deal for Cresswell in a double Ligue 1 raid.
The threat of relegation has seen the Hammers take the January window very seriously.
Now they are pushing ahead in the market as Nuno looks to strengthen his squad.
Hammers News exclusively revealed when Nuno joined that Adama Traore is a top January target for Nuno.
A number of strikers are being looked at.
Lille OSC v Toulouse FC - Ligue 1 Uber Eats
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And now Hammers News understands early talks about completing a deal for Cresswell have taken place with Toulouse.
As part of joining the club, Nuno has a big say on transfers – as does his right-hand man super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Nuno is said to be a fan of ‘proper defender and leader’ Cresswell and Hammers News has been told by a top West Ham transfer source that the club are now pushing ahead to get a deal lined up.
Whether that will be a loan with obligation or straight purchase remains to be seen but there is a feeling at the club that there is a worrying lack of competition and depth at centre-back.
That would explain why Cresswell is not the only central defender West Ham are looking to get a deal lined up for in January.
Brazil’s Alexsandro remains a Hammers target
At the end of last month Hammers News exclusively revealed West Ham planned early talks with Lille to sign Brazilian defender Alexsandro.
Now The Mirror claim the Irons are still keen on a deal for the Brazil international in January.
That’s despite the rangy 26-year-old currently being out with a quadriceps injury which required surgery.
The report claims West Ham are exploring a deal for Alexsandro but the fact Lille would demand a premium and the player’s hesitation about moving clubs and leagues in the middle of a season ahead of a World Cup could be stumbling blocks.
West Ham’s owners revealed they are also concerned about losing two key stars in January which may prompt further moves.