OPINION
To say that West Ham had a hit-and-miss January transfer window would be something of an understatement.
The Hammers, under David Moyes and battling it out against relegation from the Premier League, obviously did not feel the need to conduct a complete overhaul of their side, bringing in two new faces, which was made three by the free transfer of Patrice Evr not long after.
However, the arrival of Jordan Hugill from Preston North End has not lived up to expectation, with the 25-year-old striker managing just three appearances for a total of 22 minutes of action at the London Stadium.
On the other hand, the loan capture of Joao Mario was an inspired signing, the Portuguese international appearing in all but one of the club’s Premier League games during the second half of the season to help the club rescue themselves from the drop and finish 13th in the table.
It should come as no surprise then that the London Evening Standard are reporting that the club are in talks to try and take the 25-year-old attacker back for another temporary spell, although parent club Inter Milan are said to be demanding a permanent transfer and a £26million fee.
With that sort of money on the table, it is clear why the Irons do not want to commit to signing him, but after his impressive form in east London, with two goals and an assist, they are doing the right thing trying to secure his return.
They really must go all out in negotiations and try to find some sort of agreement with Inter, be it a loan or buying him, for his talents brought the Hammers alive, and in this day and age, finding that sort of quality is very difficult, and usually very expensive.