West Ham United are no longer able to sign Amiens defender Formose Mendy due to work permit issues, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Positive negotiations

The Athletic first claimed that David Moyes’ side were monitoring and in talks with the 22-year-old regarding a potential move to the Premier League before the end of the month.

The Senegal international reportedly then actually reached an agreement to join the Irons and was keen to complete the transfer, though it sounds like the switch is now off the cards.

The Latest: Mendy to West Ham off

According to French outlet FootMercato (via CaughtOffside), West Ham are ‘unable’ to sign Mendy as he ‘doesn’t meet all the requirements’ for a valid work permit.

The London Stadium outfit have ‘struggled’ to secure the necessary documents, with Monaco now wanting to ‘take advantage’ of his situation by making a late approach of their own in the final hours of the window.

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The Verdict: Blow for Moyes

Mendy would have been an ideal replacement for Craig Dawson, who recently left the club to join Wolves, so it will be a blow for Moyes to miss out on his target.

The 6 foot 3 colossus would have been a huge physical presence at the heart of the backline, where he’s been hailed ‘dominant’ in the air by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Mendy could have been the perfect acquisition to strengthen the Hammers’ defensive depth and steer them away from the drop zone, perhaps not coming in as an immediate starter but providing some competition to the seemingly injury-prone Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.

The club will have to act fast should they want to get a different late addition through the door before 11pm tomorrow night.