The possibility of West Ham United signing Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma is ‘totally off the cards’, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed.

The Lowdown: Danjuma linked with West Ham

According to a report by 90min, the Hammers recently made an approach to sign the 25-year-old this summer. The report suggests that the Netherlands international could be available for around €40m (£34.5m), with the Irons now discussing a deal with the La Liga outfit.

It is understood that a move to the London Stadium would be of significant interest to the former Bournemouth attacker.

According to The Mirror, Danjuma has agreed personal terms with David Moyes’ side and a deal is expected to be completed this week.

The Latest: Taylor’s update

However, Taylor has emphatically dismissed the rumours linking Danjuma with a move to east London, sharing news that he has heard emerging out of West Ham.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “No truth in claims Arnaut Danjuma has agreed personal terms with West Ham. In fact, my understanding is deal is totally off the cards. Not happening. Reports regarding player’s ‘temperament’ have not gone down well. #WHUFC”

The Verdict: Missing out

When looking at the Dutchman’s underlying statistics, it is easy to see why West Ham have been interested in making a move for the winger.

When compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, Danjuma ranks in the 93rd percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area and non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes, and in the 85th percentile for progressive carries and dribbles completed (via FBRef).

Former Cherries manager Jonathan Woodgate has previously shared his admiration for the 25-year-old, describing him as an ‘exceptional player’, whilst former European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips asserted that Danjuma is ‘a nightmare for defenders’.

With such obvious talent, it seems like West Ham are missing out on a potentially massive signing, which could end up haunting them at the end of the season given their sparsity of attacking options.