West Ham are being coy over claims Jadon Sancho could join the club, with whispers of a possible deal emerging ahead of the Hammers’ Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion.

Despite the transfer window being closed, West Ham would be able to sign Jadon Sancho given he is a free agent.

The former Manchester United winger is currently without a club after his contract at Old Trafford expired at the end of June, having spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.

Jadon Sancho made 39 appearances for Villa, scoring once, and came on as a late substitute in their Europa League final victory over Freiburg. Since leaving Manchester United, he has been training to maintain his fitness while searching for a new club.

The 26-year-old has been linked with West Ham before, including last summer, when speculation suggested he was close to joining the Hammers.

This week, talkSPORT reported that Sancho’s representatives had approached West Ham about the possibility of signing the free agent as he looks to revive his career.

However, Hammers News put the latest claims to a leading transfer source at the club, and the response was intriguing.

West Ham source casts doubt on Sancho deal

Hammers News understands the source had no knowledge of Sancho being offered to West Ham.

That does not amount to a definitive denial that contact has taken place, but the source also made an interesting point about how the club now conducts its transfer business.

That means the lack of information does not necessarily tell the whole story. However, the source’s response suggested a move for Sancho currently looks highly unlikely.

The timing is intriguing, with West Ham preparing to welcome West Brom to the London Stadium on Saturday, October 31. There were even whispers that Sancho could be signed by the time the sides meet, but there is currently no evidence that is remotely close to being true.

Sancho’s availability makes him an obvious name to discuss. But being available on a free transfer does not automatically make a deal attractive, especially when wages and the player’s expectations must be considered.

Sancho could offer West Ham cover for Bowen but deal unlikely

West Ham have previously been warned about the lack of cover for key players Jarrod Bowen and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Sancho could, theoretically, offer useful depth in attack and cover for Bowen.

The England international is capable of playing on either flank, although he has often been at his most effective operating from the right.

That could make him a potential option to fill in for Bowen, who remains one of West Ham’s most important attacking players.

Sancho has considerable experience at the highest level, having played for Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Yet his career has stalled since his departure from Dortmund, and he now faces an important decision about where to rebuild his reputation.

Spanish side Getafe have reportedly made him a contract offer, while other destinations have also been discussed. Recent reporting suggests Sancho would prefer a move abroad, although he remains open to considering his options.

For West Ham, the prospect of signing a player of his ability without paying a transfer fee may be tempting. But the club’s response suggests supporters should not get carried away by the latest speculation.