Transfer Talk: Hammers hoping to nail January business

West Ham could be busy in the January transfer window.

The Irons are reportedly in the market for reinforcements at full-back and up front as they look to push on in the Premier League and progress further in the Europa League.

And there could also be exits to make way for new additions, with Pablo Fornals rumoured to be on the transfer list.

Ahead of this evening's clash with Brighton, we take a look at the players Hammers boss David Moyes could target this month.

Timo Werner

Premier League fans will be familiar with Timo Werner, who endured a difficult spell at Chelsea after a big-money move from RB Leipzig in 2020.

The 27-year-old forward has since returned to Leipzig but has struggled to regain the form that earned him his switch to Stamford Bridge.

Werner has started just twice in the Bundesliga this season, making a further six appearances as a substitute and scoring two goals.

Out of favour at the Red Bull Arena, a move back to London could appeal to the 57-cap international — particularly with a place in Germany's squad at the European Championship this summer to play for.

Leipzig manager Marco Rose said: "Timo is a top player who has had a difficult season.

"I expect him to lead the team with his quality and experience."

But with West Ham on the lookout for a striker, signing Werner might make sense for both parties.

Ian Maatsen

Chelsea's indulgence in the summer transfer window means they now have several talented young players considered surplus to requirements.

Left-back Ian Maatsen is one of them, making a dozen substitute appearances in the top flight this season as well as two starts in the Carabao Cup.

There was excitement surrounding the 21-year-old in pre-season after an excellent campaign with Burnley in the Championship.

He scored four league goals and registered six assists for Vincent Kompany's side from a total of just 7.4 expected contributions.

His attacking quality would certainly benefit the Hammers, who only have Emerson Palmieri and 34-year-old Aaron Cresswell as options at left-back.

Asked about Maatsen last month, Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino said: "He's in our squad and a great kid. He's got great quality and can play in different positions but it's about giving him time.

"He came from Burnley last season in the Championship. To perform at Chelsea, with all respect, is not the same and the competition is different."

Kyle Walker-Peters

On the opposite flank, West Ham could look to another full-back who has excelled in the Championship.

Southampton ace Kyle Walker-Peters has been excellent this season and a return to the Premier League in the near future looks inevitable.

Back in June, the 26-year-old said: "It's tough for me to say right now but I'd be lying if I didn't say I want to be playing in the Premier League.

“I want to get an opportunity to represent my country again. That's a really big goal of mine."

Joining up with former Saints team-mate James Ward-Prowse could allow Walker-Peters to realise those ambitions.

He would also add quality to the Irons' squad in a position that needs strengthening, with Vladimir Coufal, a constant in the team, and Ben Johnson both expected to leave the London Stadium.