West Ham United: Update emerges on short-term future for Andy Irving at London Stadium

Andy Irving could be set for a second successive loan spell since signing for West Ham last summer, according to Edinburgh News.

The Edinburgh-born midfielder is set to return from his season-long switch to Austrian outfit the end of the season, but competition for places in the Hammers squad is fierce.

As a result, it is possible the 23-  at year-old will be forced to prove his worth away from the London Stadium before being granted a spot in West Ham’s first-team set-up.

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 a more advanced central midfielder, the Scotsman has chipped in with 10 goals and 13 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions – a very respectable total.

However, West Ham manager David Moyes – or his replacement, should the 60-year-old choose not to extend his stay with the Hammers beyond the end of this campaign – may take the view that another loan is required to assess whether or not Irving is capable of bridging the substantial gap in quality from the Austrian top flight to the Premier League.

Among West Ham’s loanees this term are Said Benhrama and Thilo Kehrer, who have moved to Ligue 1 clubs Lyon and Monaco, respectively.

The pair – along with Flynn Downes, presently at Southampton on a temporary deal – are all likely to seal permanent switches away from the London Stadium this summer.

However, the next step of Irving’s West Ham career may involve a loan move to a club in a more prominent European league – and how he performs could determine whether or not his long-term future lies with the Hammers.

In other West Ham news, a move for an out-of-favour Arsenal star could be on the cards this summer.

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