• Andy Irving could be set for a second successive loan spell since signing for West Ham last summer.
• Competition for places in the Hammers squad is fierce, forcing Irving to prove his worth away from the London Stadium.
• His performance during a potential loan move to a more prominent European league will determine his longterm future with West Ham.

David Moyes has come under pressure at West Ham.

Andy Irving could be set for a second successive loan spell since signing for West Ham last summer, according to Edinburgh News. The Edinburghborn midfielder is set to return from his seasonlong switch to Austrian outfit Klagenfurt at the end of the season, but competition for places in the Hammers squad is fierce. As a result, it is possible that the 23yearold will be forced to prove his worth away from the London Stadium before being granted a spot in West Ham's firstteam setup.

Can Andy Irving impress David Moyes or a new head coach?

Klagenfurt have enjoyed strong domestic form since Irving joined them in the summer of 2022. Often playing as an advanced central midfielder, he has contributed with impressive numbers of goals and assists across all competitions. However, manager David Moyes may believe that another loan stint would help assess whether or not Irving can bridge the gap between Austrian top flight and Premier League quality if he decides not extend stay beyond this campaign.

Among West Ham's loanees this term are Said Benhrama and Thilo Kehrer who have moved to Ligue 1 clubs Lyon and Monaco respectively. They along with Flynn Downes currently on a temporary deal at Southampton are expected to make permanent switches away from the London Stadium in the summer.

The next step of Irving's West Ham career might involve a loan move to a more prominent European league where his performance will be crucial in determining his longterm future with the club. Additionally, there is speculation about a potential move for an outoffavour Arsenal star during the upcoming transfer window.

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