Getting to the January window without having slipped behind the pack is Nuno Espirito Santo’s priority at West Ham. Such are the lowered, limited expectations now after the crashing reality check that was the Brentford defeat. The Hammers head to potential relegation rivals Leeds United today with Nuno’s hope for improved nt scarcely the only upbeat note.

Fans have had enough of ‘hopes’ being dashed by successive managers to keep their optimism shackled for the time being: We’ll reserve judgement until the team announcement tonight.

Whoever is in the starting line-up, West Ham need additions in all three areas of the pitch. Whist the midfield – of Nuno could, possibly, pick the ‘right’ starters – could be regarded as ‘fixed’ with the younger pacy trio of Fernandes, Magass and Potts all available. Up front is another story.

January priority must be a Premier League-level forward

So the Hammers links with Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee were seen as very real evidence of the Irons desires to strengthen forward options, until, that is, suggestions that Zirkzee could leave were quashed last week.

In what would be a big ‘u’ turn, Ruben Amorim is reported to have sanctioned the forward’s departure: Reported...