EXCLUSIVE: Fabrizio Romano confirms West Ham are poised to complete double deal before transfer deadline as Hammers hold talks for Jota and Benhrama

West Ham United hold talks with Jota in last 24 hours ahead of late January deal, as Said Benrahma talks continue

West Ham are still looking for a way to bring Jota to the London Stadium from Al-Ittihad in January after talks were held on Monday 29 January, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist reported via his X account on 30 January that negotiations are complicated due to his salary and tax reasons, but the Hammers want to push forward with the deal.

It is also said that talks are ongoing for Said Benrahma to join Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, with Jota the likely replacement should an agreement be reached there.

It could be a case of one in, one out at the London Stadium before the transfer deadline on 1 February, with the Hammers having been widely reported to want players in before they allow anybody to leave in this transfer window.

With Benrahma in talks over a move away from the club, that would mean somebody else coming in, and progressive talks held with Jota on Monday show that he is the man West Ham want to replace the Algerian.

Tax issues and wage demand do seem to be causing a problem for the Hammers, with Jacob Steinberg reporting on 29 January that some see the obstacle as impossible to overcome. Still, there appears to be confidence in East London that those issues can be put aside.

???? West Ham are still trying to find a way for Jota deal with Al Ittihad. Negotiations remain complicated due to salary and taxes reason but talks took place again on Monday.#WHUFC remain in talks with Textor Group for Said Benrahma to join Olympique Lyon in the final days.

As with all transfers, it seems unlikely that talks and negotiations would have begun if they didn’t believe there was a chance of getting the deal over the line. With just days remaining of the transfer window, they will have to push ahead with negotiations.