As per The West Ham Way website, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared an update out of Rush Green as talks intensify for Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

The Lowdown: West Ham offer rejected...

Over the final week of this year's January transfer window, reports have claimed that West Ham made a loan bid to sign the Croatia international but it was swiftly rejected (Scottish Daily Mail via pressreader).

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The Daily Express recently backed this claim, too stating that the Irons and recruitment chief Rob Newman have failed with an opening loan offer.

It is believed that Marseille won't entertain the notion of a temporary transfer and instead want to sell outright, with talkSPORT stating the price is somewhere around the £20m mark.

According to Ex, though, the Irons are still negotiating a 'compromise' as he shares an update.

The Latest: West Ham talks intensify...

According to the insider's sources, via West Ham Way, 'talks have intensified' for Caleta-Car's signature today as the Hammers chase a 'loan to buy arrangement'.

It is believed that the Ligue 1 giants are indeed 'eager' to strike a permanent deal due to their financial woes.

The Verdict: Pivotal hours...

A centre-half has long been on Moyes' transfer agenda and he will be hoping that a compromise can indeed be reached with Marseille, especially going by Caleta-Car's pedigree.

Called an 'excellent player' by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, the 6 foot 3 powerhouse signing on loan could be a real snip.

According to WhoScored, only Kurt Zouma has averaged more interceptions per 90 in the Europa League this season (3) than Caleta-Car (1.7) when comparing to West Ham's squad, while the international's impressive 92.1% pass accuracy in the French top flight indicates he is a tidy player.

Still only 25-years-old, he could also be an asset for years to come if West Ham do opt to trigger a possible permanent move in any loan-to-buy arrangement.

In other news: ExWHUemployee says West Ham want 'phenomenal' £45m star, he's allegedly open to joining...find out more here.