West Ham United reportedly failed to push through a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Andre Schurrle at the end of last month.
The Hammers had been in the market for a winger who could also feature in attack, and the East London outfit allegedly missed out with a late bid for Everton's Kevin Mirallas.
However, according to The Sun, West Ham had been looking to sign former Chelsea man Schurrle on terms allegedly involving a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.
Sources have claimed that West Ham instead focused their attention on trying to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon on deadline day.
The German international has only netted five goals in 26 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions.