West Ham United's hopes of signing Chelsea striker Armando Broja have been dealt a blow, with the Albania international looking set to stay at Stamford Bridge this summer.

What's the word?

That's according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook - in his transfer notebook - with the Blues set to 'resist' any approaches for the 20-year-old in the current window, despite the player having been believed to be keen on a permanent move to the London Stadium.

The Hammers had reportedly tabled an offer of around £30m to try and land the 14-cap gem, although his current boss Thomas Tuchel is fearful of being left with a lack of attacking options, having allowed club-record flop Romelu Lukaku to return to Inter Milan on loan.

The report goes on to add that potential suitors now expect the Slough-born menace - as well as fellow teammate Levi Colwill - to stay in west London for the forthcoming season.

Huge blow

The recent capture of Italy international Gianluca Scamacca has undoubtedly limited the need for a further striking addition this summer for manager David Moyes, although it will still remain a hefty blow if the Irons are, as expected, to miss out on Broja.

The 6 foot 3 marksman scored nine goals across all fronts during an impressive spell on loan at Southampton last season, notably firing in six Premier League goals for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side in his debut campaign in the competition.

That overall tally included a sensational, solo goal when the two sides met in the FA Cup back in March, with the imposing forward having run Craig Dawson ragged into what was a truly commanding, attacking display for a player of relative inexperience.

The £19.8m-rated ace had previously scored 11 goals during another temporary stint at Eredivisie outfit, Vitesse Arnhem, during the 2020/21 campaign, although is yet to truly break into the first team setup at his parent club  - where he has made just a solitary senior outing to date.

It would be some leap for the £8.5k-per-week gem to suddenly become a focal point of Tuchel's attack next season, with it potentially set to be a blow to the player himself that he won't be afforded a move away for more regular game time.

With a Europa Conference League campaign to come, as well as the usual domestic duties, the Hammers would undoubtedly have been able to offer valuable minutes to the eye-catching prospect.

Alas, it would appear that the shipped has now sailed for the east Londoners, with it set to be a notable blow if Broja does go on to catch fire for Chelsea next season.

AND in other news, Moyes can now form "unreal" duo as West Ham given green light for "limitless" £13m signing...