West Ham will hope to use business done during the January transfer window as perfect plans to arrest their poor campaign.
Manager David Moyes is said to be keen on recruiting Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter when the winter market opens, however, his plans have been dealt a huge blow.
The Cherries ace has denied being in the know of the Hammers links amidst reaffirming his future ties with the Dean Court outfit.
Arter told Bournemouth Daily Echo when asked about stories linking him with a January exit: “It was a bit of a surprise. I haven’t heard anything and am just going about my normal business.
“You have to ignore these things because it is the only thing you can do. I am contracted to this club and my full focus is on AFC Bournemouth.
“I have been in the game long enough to know things like this happen and players get linked with clubs.
“I signed a four-year deal in the summer and have got my head down and concentrated on trying to stay in the team.
“My focus is purely on trying to get positive results for us and nothing else.”
With the Republic Ireland international now ruling out any chances of him leaving Bournemouth, West Ham have to turn their attention elsewhere.
The midfield department at the London Stadium can do with quality additions over the January transfer window, and Arter would have been a solid and affordable recruitment.
Moyes will be looking forward to his first victory in charge of West Ham when they play Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, as a win will take them out of drop zone.