West Ham United have experienced plenty of success when it has come to loaning players out to the National League, and another is set to take the plunge.
The Hammers are currently second in the Championship, having lost just one of their opening eight league games and have picked up key wins over the likes of Wrexham and Wolves.
Past seasons have saw the likes of Mason Terry (Braintree Town) and Junior Robinson (Boreham Wood) experience good loan spells in the National League already.
Now the latest player is set to experience the fifth tier for himself once again.
West Ham defender set for Scunthorpe switch
Another Hammers talent that has enjoyed previous spells in the National League is 21-year-old left-back Regan Clayton.
Clayton featured 11 times whilst on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge during the 2024/25 season, whilst playing an additional eight times for Braintree Town in the last campaign.
However, according to Ex WHU Employee, Clayton is now closing in on a deal to join fellow National League side Scunthorpe United, on a short-term loan deal.
The Iron are currently sat in the relegation zone in the National League, following a challenging start to the season under manager Andy Butler – just months after reaching the play-off places.
They beat Hartlepool comfortably to restore belief in the squad, before slipping to a heavy mid-week loss to Barrow and find themselves down in 21st.
Clayton has featured several times this season for West Ham in the Premier League 2, National League Cup and the Premier League International Cup.
Can Clayton make a difference for Scunthorpe?
Currently, the left-back position is a bit of a problem for Butler’s side, having used established right-back Joe Starbuck in mid-week and Tyler Denton in the game prior.
Unlike other Academy loanees, Clayton has featured in the National League previously and will already be aware of the physical demands of the division – allowing him to make a smoother transition into Butler’s system.
Scunthorpe have lost three of their last four league matches and are in desperate need of reinforcements to try and get their season back on track.
Clayton is also the West Ham U21s captain at present, suggesting he will bring further leadership qualities to Scunthorpe’s back-line to try and boost confidence and bring positivity back to the club.
A short-term loan deal does pose risks that he could be recalled or sent to another side if he impresses, but with the EFL window shut until January, Clayton’s arrival could be a move that brings success for all parties.
