David Moyes to sanction West Ham ‘fire sale’ with four players set to depart; fifth star’s future is uncertain

David Moyes will allow four players to leave West Ham in the near future and a fifth star is facing an uncertain year, according to a club insider.

West Ham are currently formulating their plans for the January transfer window. They need a few new arrivals at the London Stadium as they sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the bottom three.

However, to be able to afford new signings, West Ham must offload a few current players first. And as many as four could exit the club this winter, including Manuel Lanzini and Arthur Masuaka.

There is also a question mark regarding Ben Johnson, given the fact he is yet to pen a new contract.

“West Ham will be looking to raise funds via fire sale at the club this January,” Irons insider Claret and Hugh said recently (via CaughtOffside).

“The big hope is that Arthur Masuaku will be fit to return to the Beskitas side and that a £13million deal can be completed early.

“Darren Randolph, who has played 45 minutes in the last season and a half, is also available at a knockdown £1m.

“Had we not [had] so many defensive issues which remain unresolved – Aguerd and Zouma – a question mark would be hanging over Ben Johnson. No new contract agreement is in sight despite him being out of contract in the summer.

Harrison Ashby ‘on his way’ to Newcastle

“Harrison Ashby too looks to be on his way of course to Newcastle. Whilst Manu Lanzini is another for whom offers would be entertained given he is in his 30th year and has a year left on his current deal.”

It is no surprise West Ham are preparing to part ways with Masuaku. The left-back has little chance of getting into the team ahead of Aaron Cresswell or Emerson Palmieri, which explains the loan switch to Besiktas.

And his Turkey loan move looks set to be made permanent at the earliest opportunity.

Goalkeeper Randolph joined West Ham from Middlesbrough in January 2020. He came in as a backup keeper and has barely featured during his second spell with West Ham. So they could do with getting him off the wage bill.

Ashby is highly rated by West Ham coaches. But he has become frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities and this has resulted in a contract stand-off.

Newcastle were unsuccessful in their bid to sign Ashby on the summer transfer deadline day. But that move will probably now go through in early January.

And then there is Lanzini. His contract expires next summer so January will be West Ham’s last chance to make any money on his exit.

Besiktas have previously discussed signing Lanzini. And if they come back in for him he could reunite with Masuaku in Turkey.

Johnson is the player West Ham will be wanting keep from this list. He is an academy product with a bright future.

And former striker Kevin Campbell recently gave his verdict on Johnson, urging West Ham to stop ‘disrespecting’ him and offer improved terms.