West Ham needed reinforcements before the double blow when Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta were injured.
Add to that the fact that Mohammed Kudus has travelled to represent Ghana at the African Cup of Nations, and David Moyes has a pretty big head at the London Stadium.
Still, there are players in the ranks that the boss is unlikely to be too keen to keep this month, and departures are likely to be sanctioned.
And Sky Sports News reporter James Savundra (9 January) has added more fuel to the fire to rumours that Said Benrahma could be heading abroad with a transfer update.
Savundra said the transfer for Sunderland left winger Jack Clarke is definitely “one to watch” as the Hammers look to strengthen their attacking ranks.
The Mirror reported on 6 January that the Hammers are interested in signing the former Tottenham striker this month, but according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Black Cats are under “no pressure” over the sale.
Speaking about the situation, Savundra said, “It’s worth noting that Sunderland are not panicking at this stage as Clarke has two years left on his contract, but he is one of the players West Ham are looking at in this window and he has 12 goals already for Sunderland, who are trying to win promotion to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity, he’s ‘definitely one to watch’.”
Clarke has been the top performer for the Black Cats this term, recording 12 goals and two assists in the Championship.
If he were to arrive at the London Stadium this month, then it is to be expected that it would accelerate the accurate Benrahm, who has fallen into disfavour this season.
The Algerian winger is on the departure list at West Ham, having become a “major disappointment” for the club’s staff, according to Claret & Hugh (5 January).
Benrahma was linked with Lyon during the transfer deadline, and although nothing has happened yet, it seems Moyes won’t be too keen to fight to keep him.