Julen Lopetegui has personally identified the forward he wants the club to sign in January, according to CaughtOffside.
The Spaniard has endured a difficult start to life as West Ham boss, underlined by a long term injury to summer striker signing Niclas Fullkrug, which has left Michail Antonio once again being called upon to lead the Hammers’ front line.
A number of forwards have subsequently been linked with winter moves to east London, including Panathinaikos’ Fotis Ioannidis, Vangelis Pavlidis of Benfica and PAOK’s Stefanos Tzimas.
But it’s believed Hertha Berlin’s Ibrahim Maza has caught the former Real Madrid manager’s eye so far this season, with the 18-year-old’s profile allegedly fitting West Ham’s ‘long term plans and the demands of the Premier League.’
Maza has four goals and two assists for Hertha Berlin this season in what is fast becoming a breakthrough campaign for the Algeria international.
The exciting young forward mostly plays as a No.10 but is capable of playing as a left winger, right winger or striker, which would suit Lopetegui perfectly as he looks to bolster his attacking options and squad’s overall strength in depth.
Given Maza’s positional versatility, it would not be a surprise if West Ham also seek to acquire an out-and-out striker in the winter transfer window, which would add further depth to his forward line and would relieve some of the pressure on the likes of Antonio and Danny Ings, especially if it takes Maza some time to adapt to life in England’s top-flight.
Caught Offside’s report claims Maza could cost West Ham no more than £21m, which certainly seems like quite a large fee for an 18-year-old playing in Germany’s second tier.
However, with Brentford and Leicester City also keeping tabs on Maza’s progress, West Ham would likely have to move quickly if they’re to ensure he’s playing in claret and blue next year.
