West Ham’s Champions League hopes dashed by Swansea in EPL

West Ham host Swansea on Saturday before their final game at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night against Manchester United.

Manchester United are keeping a close eye on West Ham prospect Reece Oxford after sending scouts to watch the young England youth worldwide in a bid to beat Arsenal and Manchester City to his signature, should he decide to leave the Hammers.

The Hammers dominated early exchanges but were caught out by two super Swansea goals halfway through the first half.

Yet goals from Wayne Routledge, Andre Ayew and Ki Sung-Yueng stunned West Ham inside 50 minutes.

An action-packed first half should have kicked off with the home side taking the lead, but Lukasz Fabianski produced a strong hand to turn away Dimitri Payet’s long-range drive, before collecting Winston Reid’s headed attempt from the resultant corner.

The defender fluffed his lines, sending the ball well over the bar, and it proved costly as Stephen Kingsley – making the most of a rare start – got the better of Michail Antonio and sent in a killer ball for Ayew to do the rest from a few yards out.

And five minutes after half-time Swansea made it three, Modou Barrow bamboozling Antonio on the byline before cutting the ball back for Ki to slot home. The home team were suddenly pinning their opponents back but Swansea still managed to score again as Gomis, on as a late substitute, struck on the counterattack.

Lanzini has scored six goals and created 28 chances in 28 Premier League appearances for West Ham this season.

The Swans have also been monitoring Leroy Fer and Jefferson Montero, who both are slight doubts for this fixture with minor niggles, while striker Alberto Paloschi is also still out with a hamstring injury which looks set to keep him sidelined until next season.

The converted winger has served as defensive cover this season but all three goals came from crosses down his flank. The Hammers need to invest to bring in a real full-back for the Olympic Stadium.