West Ham United are close to sealing a move for Alex Kral before tonight's transfer deadline...

What's the word?

That's according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, who delivered a fresh update on the Irons' pursuit of the Spartak Moscow midfielder to his 'The West Ham Way' Patreon site this afternoon.

"Kral deal is looking close, [on] loan with [the] possibility to buy for £12m initial fee moving to £17m, the proposed offer," he said.

The Hammers' interest in Kral dates back to early in the summer but in June, The Athletic suggested that David Moyes had turned his attentions elsewhere after a sub-par showing at Euro 2020.

The 23-year-old was, however, named as one of his 'ones to watch' at the summer tournment in a column for The Times, which only stoked the fire even more.

Much-needed depth

This update should leave many around the London Stadium absolutely buzzing as one of the most trustworthy West Ham sources has confirmed that a deal is on the verge of actually happening.

Plenty of supporters have been waiting anxiously all summer for some movement in the window, especially as know too well that the squad was in need of further numbers following their qualification to the Europa League.

Right now, Moyes only has three central midfield options for his engine room and one of those is the retiring Mark Noble, who is unlikely to feature much at all. For example, he only started eight league games last season, playing a total of 704 minutes in the top-flight, via Transfermarkt.

For a long time, the Hammers' only signing was a backup goalkeeper in Alphonse Areola - that was until last week when they managed to lure Kurt Zouma from Chelsea.

Earlier today, Nikola Vlasic was announced and now it seems as if Kral is the likely next name up. It's certainly an exciting day to be a West Ham fan as the deadline quickly looms.

The Czech dynamo has drawn inspiration from Toni Kroos and Frenkie de Jong, so that gives some insight into the sort of player he'll be in the claret and blue, and that surely only builds the fanbase's anticipation to see him in action.

Kral has also played in defence, earning him the tag of being "one of the most versatile youngsters in world football" from talent scout Jacek Kulig, who al that he was "extremely solid," had "so many qualities" and will one day be "one of the leaders of the Czech" national side.

Signing him on loan first, just like with Tomas Soucek, could be an absolute masterstroke. If it doesn't work out, then no fee will have to be paid. If it does work out, £12m could be an absolute steal.

AND in other news, West Ham could finally end Moyes' striker nightmare, but Sullivan now has to act fast...