David Moyes’ failure to seal a summer deal for John Lundstram could have cost West Ham United, as Chris Wilder has admitted that the Sheffield United midfielder could now leave Bramall Lane in January.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, Lundstram’s stay at Bramall Lane may be nearing its end after a breakdown in last-ditch talks to agree on a new contract, following the midfielder’s rejection of several improved offers.

Wilder has made it clear that he would like the 26-year-old to remain with the Blades, but United chiefs will listen to bids come the winter market after their latest offer – thought to be in line with other recent deals signed by senior players – was knocked back.

Their most recent proposal will remain on the table in hopes that Lundstram commits his long-term future to the side he helped secure promotion into the Premier League, and for whom he started 26 of his 34 top-flight appearances last term and all six to date this season.

Lundstram will also be able to negotiate with foreign clubs in January with his current terms set to expire in the summer, when the former Everton trainee will become a free agent if a winter move or a new contract is not first secured.

Wilder has stated that he would “love” Lundstram to stay at Bramall Lane after marking the midfielder as non-transferable in the summer, having been courted by the likes of West Ham, Brighton and Rangers.

The Irons remain interested in a potential deal for the £7.2million-rated midfielder, per ExWHUemployee, though it remains to be seen if the east London outfit revive their failed efforts when the January window opens.

Perfect partner for Rice

Moyes’ failure to seal a deal for Lundstram in the summer could now come back and cost West Ham, with Wilder and Sheffield United accepting that the midfielder may have to be sold in January a welcome invitation for more potential suitors to step in.

Lundstram has shown what he can bring to the Premier League in his 40 top-flight appearances since helping the Blades to secure promotion in 2018/19, with five goals and three assists last term from central midfield – including winning strikes against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth plus a brace at home to Burnley.

He further created a total of eight big chances last season, squandered four himself and averaged 1.0 shots, 0.6 key balls, 0.5 successful dribbles, 1.4 tackles and 28.6 accurate passes (83%) a game, per SofaScore.

The Liverpool-born ace is yet to score or assist this term having wasted his two big chances and not created a clear-cut chance, but has improved his tally for key balls to an average 1.7, total passes to 30.5 and successful dribbles to 0.8 per match, suggesting he could be the perfect partner for Declan Rice if Moyes can land a winter bargain.

AND in other news, David Moyes needs a “terrific” West Ham man he expects “much more” from to step up now more than ever.