West Ham are exploring other midfield options after talks over a loan for Benfica's Gedson Fernandes stalled.
Manager David Moyes wants a midfielder that can bed in quickly after returning to the club in December.
Genk's Sander Berge and Joe Allen of Stoke remain some of the names under discussion.
Captain Mark Noble and young prospect Declan Rice have been the main partnership so far this season under former boss Manuel Pellegrini.
However, other players are needed as Jack Wilshere continues to struggle with injury.
Fernandes may still end up in the Premier League, with Everton interested in taking the 20-year-old on loan.
