West Ham United are no closer to agreeing a deal to bring Duje Caleta-Car to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day.
What's the talk?
That's according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent post on The West Ham Way that, despite a host of reports suggesting otherwise, there has been no agreement between West Ham and Olympique de Marseille reached regarding the transfer of the 25-year-old centre-back.
The Irons insider goes on to state that, with things moving very quickly on the final day of the January transfer window, a deal could quite easily be done at some point today, however, as things currently stand, the Croatia international will be remaining with the Ligue 1 side.
In his post, Ex said: "We have just asked our top transfer sources what the situation is with Caleta-Car. Whilst this isn't going to be what the fans want to hear, unfortunately, French sources and others are [getting] ahead of themselves. There is a 'jumping the gun' situation with reports at this stage of the window, with everyone wanting to call the deal first.
"I asked whether reports of a deal being close were true and I simply got 'not true' back in response. The talks will be ongoing to get this deal over the line. With only one day left things will have to progress quickly and obviously can do but there [is still] some distance to go. The problem still remains that we want an initial loan deal and Marseille wish to sell. The club do want to continue talks and get this done so let's hope it does change soon (it has to)."
Not what "fans want to hear"
Considering West Ham's desperate need for defensive reinforcements following the season-ending injury suffered by Angelo Ogbonna, in addition to the poor form of both Issa Diop and Craig Dawson while covering for the Italian - particularly that of the former - the news that a deal for Caleta-Car is no closer to getting over the line is certainly not what fans will be hoping to hear, as Ex suggests.
[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-west-ham-news" title="Check out the latest West Ham News"]
Indeed, in the 11 Premier League fixtures in which Ogbonna has featured this season, the Hammers boast a record of seven wins, two draws and two losses - having conceded 13 goals in this period.
Meanwhile, over the 12 league games in which the 33-year-old has been sidelined as a result of his injury, West Ham's record stands at four wins, two draws and six losses - with the club conceding 18 times in this period.
As such, it is clear to see that, should David Moyes wish to give his side the best possible chance of securing a top-four finish in the league this season, he simply must get a deal over the line for a new centre-back - preferably the extremely impressive Caleta-Car - prior to tonight's transfer deadline.
In other news: "Understand...": Journo reveals "shock" twist in WHU forward hunt, fans will be elated