West Ham have cooled their interest in Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, according to a report in the Sun.
The newspaper claim that Hammers boss Slaven Bilic doesn’t want to sign the 30-year-old on a permanent deal, and is prioritising other signings over a possible loan-deal with Hart.
The Sun, citing a London Stadium source, report that the club were initially looking to bring in the City stopper over the transfer window, but that the club’s priorities have changed.
It is said, from the source, that Bilic will focus on recruiting a forward for the Hammers’ squad this summer.
The Sun quoted the London Stadium source saying: “We were looking at Hart as one of the guys to bring in this summer.
“But our priorities have changed somewhat and it is not a pressing concern. We want to get a forward in first and foremost.”
However, the prospect of a deal is not dead in the water.
“A loan option was the first option, but nothing is going to happen now,” the source is quoted as adding. “It doesn’t mean we won’t go back in at a later date.”
This report follows a story from Sky Sports last month which revealed that West Ham was a potential loan destination for the England international after the London club were said to be keeping tabs on the former City star.
West Ham already have strong goalkeeping options with Adrian and Darren Randolph to chose from, and look to turn their attention to securing a forward.
The club will need more centre-forward options this summer as Hammers star Andy Carroll remains sidelined with a groin injury, while fellow frontman Diafra Sakho is out with a back injury.
Bilic will be looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2017/18 season in order to improve on the club’s eleventh place finish in the Premier League during their last campaign.