Report: West Ham playmaker could head to continent, possible loan exit

West Ham United midfielder Josh Cullen is wanted by Belgian giants Anderlecht, with the scope for a late loan deal in the next 48 hours, according to Daily Mail journalist Adrian Kajumba.

The Hammers rising star has been touted in recent years as a player to watch, but opportunities in the first team have been a rare commodity for the youth-team graduate.

Cullen impressed for West Ham in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup this season, before being forced into self isolation after a positive COVID-19 test.

However, with Declan Rice, Mark Noble and Tomas Soucek mainstays in the West Ham boiler room and Robert Snodgrass also competing for a starting berth, it remains to be seen just how much football the 24-year-old will get at the London Stadium in 2020-21.

Cullen has aided his football development with loan deals at Football League clubs in recent seasons and the latest report suggests another temporary move – this time to Belgium – could be on the cards.

West Ham manager David Moyes has until 11pm on Monday evening to finalise his squad for the first half of the campaign and will have to do some hard thinking over the talented midfielder.

While down the pecking order currently, the Hammers prospect could yet be needed if there were injuries or unavailability in the core of the team.

West Ham have been linked with other midfield signings, but the consensus is that defensive reinforcements are the priority for the East London club.