West Ham turned down two transfers in January that could have saved them from relegation

There is a strong argument that West Ham would have avoided Premier League relegation had they pursued moves for two in-form players in the January transfer window.

Despite picking up a 3-0 win over Leeds United on the final day, West Ham were relegated to the Championship after Tottenham secured victory over Everton to survive by two points.

It was, quite frankly, a disastrous campaign for the Hammers, who ended the season with a goal difference of -19, the fourth worst in the league, after conceding 65 goals across 38 games.

Their inability to bring in a centre-back last summer proved costly and it took until transfer deadline day in January to sign Axel Disasi from Chelsea for a £1.7 million loan fee.

They also struggled for goals, especially during the first half of the season, although the much-anticipated arrival of Pablo Felipe from Portuguese club Gil Vicente gave fans a glimmer of hope.

However, the Brazilian has failed to find the back of the net since his £21 million switch.

West Ham decided against Rayan move before he joined Bournemouth

A report from The Guardian emerged after Sunday's final whistle that claims West Ham turned down a deal to sign Brazilian forward Rayan, who recently earned a call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

Rayan has earned a call-up to play for Brazil at this summer's World Cup. Image credit: Getty

The 19-year-old, who went on to join Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama for £24.7 million, has been superb since joining the Cherries, registering five goals and two assists in the league.

As well as the highly-rated Rayan, West Ham decided against pursuing a January loan move for Newcastle forward William Osula, who has also impressed in the final months of the season.

Since the March international break, Osula has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League appearances. In fact, he has the best goals per minute ratio in England's top flight this season.

Aston Villa are now chasing a deal to sign the Dane, according to Football Insider.

West Ham board were 'concerned' by Nuno Espirito Santo's treatment of James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Burnley, was told he had no role to play as soon as Nuno Espirito Santo arrived at the club, according to a report from The Athletic.

It is said the West Ham board were 'concerned' about how he was alienated.

The report also claims that when Nuno spoke to players after his first training session, he told Ward-Prowse in private that he would not feature as part of his plans and would have to train by himself until a transfer was agreed.

The club board was worried by the bold decision but knew that they had to back the manager, given that they had appointed him.