West Ham have been boosted by the news that Jesse Lingard's contract talks with Manchester United have broken down and he looks set to leave the club.
The Lowdown: Lingard shines for West Ham
The 28-year-old was simply exceptional on loan for the Hammers last season, standing out as one of their best players despite only joining in January.
Lingard bagged nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League appearances, aiding West Ham's challenge for European football - it almost feels a shame he hasn't been around to participate in the Europa League group stages with the Irons.
The England international returned to Old Trafford in the summer but he has failed to force his way into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans regularly, not starting a single league game.
He has been strongly linked as a target for the Hammers in the upcoming winter transfer window.
The Latest: Key update emerges
On Thursday, reliable journalist Paul Hirst took to Twitter to confirm that contract talks between Lingard and his current club had 'collapsed'.
'Lingard wants to leave, possibly as early as January', the journalist said, also detailing that several teams outside of the Premier League are interested.
The Verdict: Snap him up, Hammers
Lingard's desire to leave Manchester is a huge boost for West Ham, should David Moyes shore up his interest in a permanent move for Lingard in the near future.
In truth, his performances last season show that should be the case, with the England starlet slotting in seamlessly at the London Stadium and providing guile and end product in the middle of the park.
If the Hammers managed to sign the Englishman in January, it could be the extra sprinkling of magic needed to secure them a top-four finish - Rio Ferdinand hailing him as 'amazing' in the past, and it's hard to disagree with that judgement given his form in east London last term.
In other news, West Ham are believed to have made an approach for one player. Find out who it is here.