West Ham United could be set to formalise their interest in Atletico Minerio defender Guilherme Arana in January and that could now finally spell the end of Aaron Cresswell's career at the London Stadium.

UK news outlet 90Min reported on 14 October that the Hammers had representatives present at the Arena Pantanal to keep a close eye on the 26-year-old left-back who featured for Brazil in their 1-1 draw at home to Venezuela (13 October).

Wolves and Brentford also had representatives watching the Brazilian left-back but the Hammers' interest is the most advanced having monitored the defender, who has just under 12 months remaining on his contract at Atletico Minerio, over an extended period.

The Hammers are believed to have been identifying targets at left-back for a while now and it's reported they will make a move in January for Arana and his club will not stand in his way should the Irons make their move.

With just under 12 months remaining on his deal, it seems as if a January transfer is on the cards and the Hammers may be preparing a move to swoop in.

At 26 years old, Arana is certainly reaching the most crucial years of his career and it's arguably a surprise to see the Hammers go for a ready-made profile than a young and hungry option they courted over the summer for so long.

However, each to their own and given the amount of time the Irons have spent scouting Arana, he may be their preferred candidate to replace Aaron Cresswell who could well be on his way in January after a failed summer move.

The 33-year-old pushed to leave for Wolves during the summer window [The Athletic, 19 July] and even missed training as they offered him better wages to be closer to his family in the Midlands. Still, no such move materialised in the end.

But, his limited minutes under Moyes this season certainly point to an inevitable exit just being delayed a few more months.

Having entered the final 12 months of his contract at the London Stadium, it would have made sense for both parties to part ways after a season which finished on a high note after their Europa Conference League triumph, a possible last-perfect hoorah for the nine-year West Ham United veteran.

Whatever Moyes' stance is on Cresswell remains to be seen but what is clear, it seems as though the Hammers are already planning for life without him, especially with concurrent injuries taking their toll on the veteran's qualities.

The left-back slot is an area of real need for David Moyes and Tim Steidten, but whether Arana is the ideal candidate to significantly bolster that position is another matter entirely.

One thing is probably certain now, is Cresswell may have to call time on his nine-year career in East London in the January window. It's the best move for all parties.

In other West Ham news, a journalist has revealed what he's been told about the club's plans in the January transfer window and an "alternate" role for one big-money London Stadium signing.

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