Enzo Maresca claims that Chelsea may decide against loaning out West Ham transfer target Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this month.

The midfielder is believed to be keen on getting more game time but, when asked if the Blues would sanction his departure on a temporary basis during the January transfer window, Maresca replied:

“No. Also, because, when you want to send players on loan, it has to be from all the sides; the players, the club and the manager.”

“It is not just about what I want. In this moment there is no plan for Kiernan [to leave]. For sure, he has to do that [fight for his place], no doubt. I know Kiernan quite well and he is going to do that.”

Dewsbury-Hall won’t play for Chelsea this weekend

Some may claim that the 26-year-old’s absence from the Blues’ matchday squad for their FA Cup tie against Morecambe on Saturday is significant.

However, Marecsca has confirmed that Dewsbury-Hall is injured. He has not featured in any match since the Conference League group win over Shamrock Rovers last month. He was taken off in the closing stages of the 5-1 victory.

An approach from West Ham is likely

It was reported earlier this week that Dewsbury-Hall is interested in joining the Hammers due to his limited minutes since his £30m move from Leicester last summer.

However, West Ham were holding off from making an approach due to the change in manager. Now Graham Potter has been installed in the dugout, it could lead to an approach being made.

Based on Maresca’s remarks, though, there are no guarantees that a loan offer will be accepted by Chelsea. We shall have to wait and see how this story develops over the coming days.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here