Perhaps Jean-Clair Todibo’s moment of madness against Chelsea has pushed West Ham United into full-blown transfer panic mode — who knows.

But this morning talkSPORT are reporting that the Hammers have dropped their interest in Taylor Harwood-Bellis and instead switched their attention to John Egan.

Egan may ring a bell. The 33-year-old featured in a behind-closed-doors match for West Ham last summer while he was a free agent. Presumably after failing to impress, he was politely sent on his way. The Irishman went on to join Hull City, but it now appears the Hammers are having second thoughts in a moment of desperation.

Todibo — who has publicly apologised for his violent conduct dismissal — will be sidelined for at least three matches, further exposing West Ham’s already fragile defensive options.

Scrambling Where Planning Was Needed

West Ham were already in the market for defensive reinforcements, something that realistically should have been addressed at the very start of the window. Instead, here we are — staring down the barrel, with survival hopes potentially being pinned on a journeyman defender the club already decided against once before.

It is a worrying development and one that reeks not of strategy, but...