West Ham United completing a deal for Lorient striker Terem Moffi is ‘unlikely at this stage’, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Contrasting claims

The Nigeria international has entered the final 18 months of his contract, and having not yet committed to signings fresh terms, has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Reports over the weekend suggested that an agreement had been reached between the Irons and the 23-year-old, but Lorient’s manager Regis Le Bris quickly shut down those claims by admitting that his player was disturbed by the transfer speculation.

Ligue 1 giants Nice meanwhile have seen two offers for the forward rejected, before the Hammers were once again named as a suitor in the press at the beginning of this week.

Now though, a disappointing update has emerged on the chances of him moving to the London Stadium.

The Latest: Taylor’s update

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Taylor reports that GSBK bringing Moffi to East London this month is now not expected despite their long-standing admiration.

“Also understand Terem Moffi returned to training with Lorient today after missing Coupe de France win at Bastia. He has been ill & absence not related to transfer. Nice remain interested. West Ham move seems unlikely at this stage.”

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The Verdict: Possible Ings replacement...

Danny Ings sustained a knee injury on his debut against Everton on Saturday and Moffi would have provided an excellent alternative option, so it’ll be a blow for David Moyes to learn that club chiefs seem unable to get Moffi in as a replacement.

The left-footed attacker has an impressive return having netted 12 goals in 18 league appearances so far this season, where he currently averages 1.9 shots per game (WhoScored).

The Calabar native has also been described as a ‘golden’ player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, but the Hammers will now have to turn their attention elsewhere to ensure they secure a final third reinforcement before the end of the window.