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They might be the biggest club in the World from a global recognition and branding point of view, but Manchester United have admitted defeat when it comes to this season's Premier League title and are desperately trying to finish ahead of the following pack, so much so that they have admitted they will not do any business with West Ham regarding Jesse Lingard because they regard West Ham as direct competitors in the race for the Champions League places.

Never one to be calm, the Leeds United manager apparently threw a complete wobbler when told of Hammers late attempt at signing his 'jewel' Raphinha, the bid is believed to have been huge but was knocked back instantly by Leeds on Marcelo Bielsa's behest following a 'communication' from him that set out very clearly how annoyed he would be if ANY offer were accepted for Raphinha, whatever the price!

With the clock ticking down ever closer to the end of the transfer window there is always a feeding frenzy over players destinations and where clubs are doing their 'shopping', well it appears that Hammers have decided to do their business as close to home as possible for a club shopping in the non domestic market, namely in France.

Although even that statement is ambiguous because, although based in France, one of Hammers principal transfer targets Bamba Dieng is currently at the AFCON tournament representing Senegal who play their 1/4 final against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

Why on earth would Olympique de Marseille even consider letting two of their star players leave during this transfer window? It makes no sense, but then a lot of football related transactions seem absolutely barmy from the outside looking in, things are rarely how they seem.

Three days remain of the January transfer window and as expected by many Hammers fans there has been little if any transfer activity, the 'mission' handed down by the Moyesiah has been one of acquiring quality, not quantity. So recent rumours of 'Huge'(o) offers for players have more credibility than transfer rumours that USED to emanate from the club, before the 58 year old Scot's 2nd coming.

There is of course non stop media coverage of the transfer window every time it is about to draw to a close, more so with regards to this January's window, because of the Premier League's unique winter break. Newcastle are the club linked with every transfer story whether they have shown any interest or not.

News that young Hammers striker Mipo Odubeko has joined relegation strugglers Doncaster Rovers hasn't gone down too well with some Hammers fans, there are those questioning the logic behind sending a forward out on loan, albeit an inexperienced one, when the club only has ONE recognised striker!

We have all been there as children, you get to the top of the water slide or hook line queue and take up your position while a heap of others are waiting patiently behind for you to take the plunge. Suddenly you are gripped with fear and freeze on the spot, but there is NO going back so you have to BE BRAVE and summon up all your courage and leap into the unknown.

In the last few days ExWHUemployee confirmed that the Irons were very interested in Chelsea's Armando Broja, we have already covered some of the options available for the the 20 year old but specified Southampton’s position as a big obstacle to David Moyes’ chances of landing the player.

Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall has been on Hammers radar along with a host of other players for what seems an age, as the clock continues to tick down towards deadline day more and more rumours abound it is the nature of the beast.

The 25 year old is good in the air and a bit of a throw back to central defenders of the past, he is tough tackling and can look after himself in a showdown, he is 6'4" tall and is a warrior rather than a worrier in defence, his performances belie his young age and on the face of it he would be a typical David Moyes signing