And when we say “they” it is referring to a top level West Ham source close to the club’s majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
Hammers fans were excited at the prospect of signing Colombian striker Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
Earlier this month a journalist revealed to Hammers News that West Ham still desperately want Duran this window.
But, ironically, ex Aston Villa striker Danny Ings’ refusal to leave West Ham has been blocking their attempts to do so.
A few weeks ago Duran himself intimated he wanted to join West Ham by doing the crossed Hammers in a live video on social media.
That angered Aston Villa and their fans.
Villa boss left Duran door open for Hammers
But it was soon forgotten when Duran came on for Villa against the Irons and – with an inevitably usually reserved for death and taxes – scored the winner.
After scoring the goal which secured Aston Villa a season-opening 2-1 win at the London Stadium, Duran gesture to his supporters that he was sorry and was staying.Following the match, though, Aston Villa’s manager was not so sure.
Unai Emery gave the Hammers real hope a deal could still be done for Duran before the window closes.
“There will be more rumours about him after his goal, but I believe in him,” Emery said on Sky Sports after the win over the Hammers.
“I gave him 30 minutes today and he’s very important to us.“I don’t know (if he will stay).”
A top spokesman inside the east London club has confirmed to Hammers News that Tim Steidten is working on more than one signing this week.
Carlos Soler is on standby to join West Ham while the club also want a younger striker with pace to compete – and partner at times – one-paced veteran Niclas Fullkrug.
The Hammers have confirmed any incomings depend entirely on moving players out having reached the limit in terms of PSR, squad slots and wages.
Duran continues to be linked as does Tammy Abraham. But a move for the latter has been categorically ruled out by Hammers top brass.
There is new hope for the Hammers today, though.
Because a board source has issued an exciting response on West Ham signing Duran from Aston Villa by deadline.
‘Never say never’
Sean Whetstone, the board ally who has Sullivan and Brady on his Rolodex, issued a short but potentially very sweet response when asked about the possibility Duran could still join West Ham.
Whetstone has been at pains to communicate the fact West Ham are not in for Abraham or Raheem Sterling.
If there was no chance, hope or desire to try and do a deal for Duran then Whetstone would have said so – just like he has regarding other striker targets such as Abraham.
If – and it is a big if according to West Ham’s top spokesman – the club can offload players, then don’t rule out a loan with obligation for Duran before August 30th.