Seventeen goals from fifteen league matches.
That’s West Ham’s tally this season — and it’s simply not good enough. Relegation remains a real danger unless the Hammers find someone who can put the ball in the net.
With Niclas Füllkrug heading for the exit and Callum Wilson unable to carry the long-term burden alone, the need for a new No.9 grows more urgent by the week.
Now, attention has turned to a striker in red-hot form.
West Ham Assessing Clayton Move
TEAMtalk reports that West Ham have been tracking Rio Ave striker Clayton, with club scouts taking a close look at the Brazilian as they piece together their January shortlist.
The Hammers’ poor start has left them sitting 18th, two points from safety, and they are actively searching for a forward capable of making an instant impact.
Clayton, 26, has been one of the standout performers in Portugal since arriving at Rio Ave.
After hitting 18 goals during his loan spell last season, the club made his stay permanent despite interest from Benfica and Nottingham Forest.
He has picked up where he left off, scoring 10 times in 13 games and sitting joint-top of the Primeira Liga scoring charts.
His form has prompted enquiries from several clubs, with West Ham now assessing whether he represents a viable mid-season solution.
The player has already made it clear where he hopes his future lies.
“I have dreams, I’m 26 years old and I want to play at national team level, in the Premier League, the Champions League…” he said recently, according to PortuGOAL, adding: “I know my quality and the level I can reach.”
With West Ham desperate for a reliable goalscorer and Clayton openly eyeing England, the opportunity may be there — if the price is right and the Hammers move quickly.
