Sources: West Ham line up Broja talks as they look to beat Southampton to late deal
West Ham are lining up talks with Chelsea over the possible transfer of Armando Broja as they look to beat Southampton to a late-window deal, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
The east Londoners have turned their attention to the loanee Saints forward, 20, in the latest twist in their attacker hunt.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider that the club are closely monitoring Broja’s situation and they are set to test the water with a late move.
It is believed recruitment chief Rob Newman has been personally running the rule over the striker and delivered glowing reports to manager David Moyes.
Newman was in attendance at St Mary’s Stadium earlier this month as Broja scored in Southampton’s 4-1 Premier League win over Brentford.
West Ham are ready to explore loan and permanent transfer options in the final week of the January window.
They are set to test the resolve of parent club Chelsea amid uncertainty over whether he is part of their long-term plans.
There will be increasingly strong competition for the rising star’s services, with Southampton also keen on signing him on a permanent deal.
Another hurdle for the Irons to climb is that it remains to be seen if Broja is willing to cut short what has been a highly successful spell at St Mary’s Stadium.
He has scored seven goals in 21 matches in all competitions, five of which have come in the Premier League.
West Ham are in the market for a forward capable of leading the front line.
It has been overly reliant in recent seasons on the form and fitness of Michail Antonio, and Moyes wants quality competition for him.
In other news, “unbelievable” verdict on Liverpool signing Bowen from West Ham issued after source reveal.