By support

19th Feb, 2018 | 12:03pm

Report: West Ham eye quick deal for prolific top-flight attacker out of contract in the summer

West Ham have identified Saint-Etienne midfielder Jonathan Bamba as a target and are believed to be nearing an agreement with the player, according to a report.
The Sun suggests that the Hammers are keen to tie up a pre-contract deal for the 21-year-old attacker before his contract comes to an end with the Ligue 1 side this summer.
Bamba, the French-born forward, has been one of his side’s key players this season after recording six goals and four assists for Les Verts.
The Hammers lack of options in attack have been evident this season, particularly following an injury spell which saw Marko Arnautovic, Pedro Obiang, and Andy Carroll amongst others all sidelined.
Huddersfield and Crystal Palace are also thought to be keen on the attacker.
Football Insider verdict:
With the player out of contract in the summer, it means that West Ham can get themselves a bargain but they will need to act quickly if they are going to steal a march on their Premier League rivals. The France U21 international has the kind of speed a player needs to be a success in the English top-flight but there have to be question marks over the player as the Ligue 1 side have allowed his contract to run down to the final few months – why if he is such a talent would they have done this?
In other West Ham news, Hammers in hunt to sign title-holding midfielder from top-flight club, Moyes a big fan.