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Turns out concerns over losing Osvaldo Alonso may have been a bit premature. The latest word out of England is that West Ham has "no interest" in a permanent move for the Seattle Sounders midfielder, but that they could try to work out some kind of loan.
Alonso has been on what has only been deemed a one-week trial by the Sounders, but unsurprisingly it appears that West Ham has been evaluating him while he's there.
It's at least within the realm of possibility that they could attempt to work out some sort of short-term loan. The Hammers have been hit by the injury bug recently, with a particular need at defensive mid. They currently sit 11th in the EPL table, but are just six points behind third-place Chelsea for a Champions League spot.
If Alonso were to brought in on a short-term loan, he could feasibly play in seven matches between Jan. 1 and Feb. 25. That would still give him time to rejoin the Sounders in time for their MLS opener on March 2, albeit with very little rest.
While there were definitely be risks associated with such a move, the potential benefits may outweigh them. Not only would Alonso get some invaluable experience training and competing against Premier League competition, but the Sounders should stand to pick up some allocation dollars from any loan fee.