[ad_pod ]This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...West Ham United may not be able to afford Isaac Hayden this summer, per Ex-West Ham United Employee.

What’s the word?

The Hammers were linked with a move for the Newcastle United midfielder at the beginning of the summer transfer window.

Since then, the club have signed attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals and striker Sebastian Haller.

And the Irons insider, responding to a question from a fan, doubts that the club will be able to meet the Magpies’ asking price unless they sell players first.

He said: “Budget is very dependent on players out at (the) moment so I’m not sure we will be able to afford him.”

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Two steps back

West Ham have spent over £60m already this summer but this is one step forward, two steps back.

The club need to sign a midfielder, particularly with Pedro Obiang reportedly nearing a move to Serie A.

If they cannot afford a move for Hayden, who has actually confirmed his desire to leave the Magpies and move south to be nearer his family, then serious questions should be asked.

They have strengthened the squad on the surface but depth is needed, too.

A move for Hayden should be relatively inexpensive in this transfer window but the Hammers appear to have already spent all of their budget.

That is not a good thing, particularly with holes still needing to be filled at the London Stadium.