David Moyes has claimed that West Ham were “very serious” about bringing players to the club in January but admitted that his squad is short of where he wants it to be ahead of the summer window.

The Lowdown: January’s failed window

Transfer rumours were flying for the Hammers in January as the east London club were linked with a myriad of stars across Europe.

West Ham reportedly attempted to break their club transfer record fee with three different players, sadly to no avail. This included bids in excess of £50 million for Leeds United duo Kalvin Philipps and Raphinha, and also a sensational £60 million deadline day move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

Over the past month, claims have been made about the squad’s fitness, suggesting that fatigue is a huge issue for Moyes’ players after failing to secure any of their winter window targets.

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The Latest: Moyes' comments

In Moyes’ recent press conference held ahead of West Ham’s FA Cup clash against Southampton, the Scotsman seemed to admit that his squad is suffering due to a lack of depth.

However, he claims that it wasn’t for a lack of trying. As quoted by football.london, he said:

“It would be unfair [just to mention West Ham] I think a lot of clubs did not buy players in January. We were very serious about trying to bring players to the club in January but for different reasons, it did not happen. 

“We know we are a little bit short of where we would like to be, the squad I have at the moment have done a brilliant job over the last two years and I have no reason to think they will not do a brilliant job in the coming three months between now and the end of the season.”

The Verdict: Finally admitted…

Recently it has seemed like Moyes has actively tried to avoid talking about the January window, presumably in an attempt to evade criticism of the club's transfer activity.

Therefore, his admission that they are indeed short will come as a very thin silver lining for fans, who were left deflated with the failed attempts made to rectify the club’s issues.

Moyes’ comments could be seen as artificial, given how late the club’s moves were made with last-ditch bids, but either way it is clear to see that the players are indeed fatigued and these 'serious' transfer moves must become reality in the summer.

In other news: BBC Radio pundit drops Hammers FA Cup claim