West Ham are preparing to back into the transfer market for another striker this January, according to Caught Offside.
The signing of Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund was originally being touted as something of a coup for the club, with many fans confident the Germany international was the man to finally end the club’s Premier League striker curse.
But the striker has struggled with injury since signing having made just three first-team appearances so far this term.
It means Julen Lopetegui has been forced to rely on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings up front, with Jarrod Bowen also being a credible option, although it’s no secret he’s far more effective on the right wing.
It’s the exact situation that frustrated fans during David Moyes’ time at the club, with several strikers coming and going without barely leaving their mark on the famous claret and blue, with Antonio almost always being called upon to save the day.
But it appears West Ham are keen to make this most recent over-reliance on Antonio short lived, with a potential move for Valencia striker Hugo Duro.
According to the report on Caught Offside, West Ham are ‘serious’ about a move for the 24-year-old “in the very near future.
It states: “It is understood Julen Lopetegui sees Duro’s energy and goal-scoring ability as a major potential asset for the Hammers’ attack.
“It is likely that Valencia will seek a transfer fee in the range of €25-30milllion (£20-25m), considering Duro’s potential and recent performances.”
Duro has two goals in six Valencia appearances this season, while he also scored 13 La Liga goals last term.
It’s not clear whether “in the very near future” means this coming January transfer window or next summer, but it certainly appears Lopetegui and Tim Stiedten are not willing to go on much longer with a lack of credible striker options.
Indeed, Fullkrug still might come good for the Hammers, but his current injury, coupled with the team’s underwhelming start to the new season, means there’s an element of urgency where goal scoring is concerned.
Antonio became the first player in West Ham history to register 100 Premier League contributions last weekend, when he set up Tomas Soucek’s second half equaliser.
There’s no questioning his importance to the club over the last few years, but we cannot go on much longer relying on the 34-year-old to keep coming up with the goods. Many of his most recent performances in claret and blue have suggested he’s on the decline, too.
So it makes sense that the club are prepared to go into the market for another fresh face up front this winter.
