Lincoln star has already turned toward January departure; absent at West Ham v. Lincoln

Pablo Fornals already has one eye on West Ham United exit amid Sevilla transfer news, nowhere to be seen v Lincoln City

Pablo Fornals was a rare starter for West Ham United as they narrowly managed a 1-0 victory against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, 27 September.

The Hammers were incredibly fortunate against the League One side breaking the deadlock in the 70th minute when Tomas Soucek made a late run into the box to get on the end of Said Benrahma’s corner.

Lincoln were made to rue the numerous chances they squandered in the first half – and Alex Mitchell had a close-range effort ruled out for offside after West Ham failed to deal with a long throw.

West Ham made 10 changes to the side that lost 3-1 to Liverpool at the weekend – with Soucek the only player to retain his place – and one player whom Moyes will not have been impressed by was one of his most trusted and reliable lieutenants Fornals who seemed to have his head turned elsewhere after recent transfer exit rumours.

Spanish news outlet El Sevillista reported on 26 September), that Champions League club Sevilla are hopeful West Ham will accept a “negligible” offer for the Spanish international in order to “get some profitability” and avoid losing him on a free transfer.

The report also wrote that Sevilla are already advancing in their plans for the January market and have placed Fornals at the top of their target list as they look to bolster the squad to qualify for Europe.

The Spaniard has proven a crucial tool for David Moyes on several occasions over the past two campaigns but with his contract having just a year to run, the East Londoners could well be tempted to cash in on him before long.

And given his limited role in the team now, after the additions of Mohammed Kudus and James Ward-Prowse, it certainly won’t be a surprise to see Fornals opt for a January move, and his performance proved as much on Wednesday evening in a lacklustre showing.

As per SofaScore, the Spanish international was nowhere to be seen against League One opposition, recording just 44 touches and uncharacteristically successfully completing just 76% of his passes, – he’s usually so neat and tidy with them – he also failed in 100% of his crosses, 100% of his long-balls, 100% of his dribbles, recorded just two duels won, lost possession of the ball eleven times while recording one key pass all night.

It’s been reported that Fornals has rejected the chance of a new deal at the London Stadium (Sean Whetstone, 14 September) and the Spaniard certainly played like a man who knows he won’t be on the club’s books for long.

A January exit is now very much on the cards. He may not start again after this latest showing.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers’ next Premier League opponents have reportedly made a decision over the future of their manager.