Julen Lopetegui, manager of West Ham United, gestures during the Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
West Ham United are preparing to part ways with Andy Irving, according to reports.
The Scottish midfielder was signed from Austria Klagenfurt in the summer of 2023 before immediately returning to the club on loan — notching 10 goals and five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions last season.
Irving stuck around at the London Stadium in the previous transfer window — despite being linked with Atalanta — but has only managed 60 minutes in six appearances across all competitions for the Hammers this season.
At 24 years old and yet to be capped for Scotland at senior level, Irving needs to find a club where he can become a first-team regular to push his career forward.
Andy Irving to Celtic?
DAGENHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 20: Andy Irving of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during a Pre-Season Friendly match between Dagenham & Redbridge and West Ham United at Chigwell Construction Stadium on July 20, 2024 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)
According to The Athletic, Irving could return to Scotland this January, with Glasgow giants Celtic interested in signing the midfielder.
Irving has previous experience in his homeland having come through at Hearts, making 59 appearances for the Edinburgh side between 2017 and 2021, scoring five goals.
Nayef Aguerd gives West Ham update
While Irving looks certain to leave West Ham, it still remains unclear what the future holds for Nayef Aguerd.
The Moroccan centre-back helped West Ham win the Uefa Conference League in 2022/23 but struggled last season.
Aguerd was loaned out to Real Sociedad in the summer and has established himself as a regular starter, totalling 1,506 minutes in 18 appearances across all competitions.
But Aguerd has another two years left on his contract if he returns from Spain. Even he isn’t…
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