HERE WE GO: West Ham United manager have made an approach to sign the Brazilian striker who has agreed personal terms with the club due to

A report on the Scottish paper’s website on 16 August says that the Scottish midfielder is wanted by La Liga’s Espanyol, who have also contacted the club along with the Europa League winners.

The Hammers haven’t decided whether to let Irving leave on loan, with Bundesliga sides and others in England also interested, including those who can guarantee Champions League football.

The former Hearts man has not yet made an appearance for the Irons but has impressed Julen Lopetegui in preseason, with the new manager reportedly expected to include him in the match-day squad to face Aston Villa in the opening Premier League fixture.

Julen Lopetegui impressed by Andy Irving at West Ham

The transfer window has been characterised by a series of high-profile new signings as Tim Steidten has successfully strengthened the squad on paper a long way.

But after spending the season on loan back at Austria Klagenfurt Irving has caught the eye in preseason, and if Lopetegui is ready to put him in the squad to kick off his reign at the London Stadium while so many clubs want him he has clearly done something right.

The Irons do need to offload players before the deadline to try to balance costs after spending heavily this summer, but with a permanent move seemingly not on the table it is unlikely to make a huge dent to get the Scot’s wages off the bill.

Talks are in progress to shed Kurt Zouma to the Middle East despite his collapsed move to Shabab Al-Ahli and sell Nayef Aguerd before the deadline [TBR Football, 13 August].

The club are also “desperate” to dispense with Danny Ings’ expensive contract [talkSPORT, 13 August], and if they are able to move on some expensive options with dim futures are the club it would help give Irving a place for the new season.

Nine goals and four assists in the Austrian Bundesliga last term were strong numbers from midfield, and with doubts over the likes of Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse longer term there is a chance the returning loanee could be a very useful addition.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers are after a mandatory loan-to-buy deal to sign yet another key ace before the deadline.

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