Sources: West Ham set sights on signing Man United star who wants to leave
West Ham have endured a dismal start to the Premier League season so far and are already looking ahead to the January transfer window.
The Hammers’ 2-0 defeat to Arsenal last time out meant they have now won just one of their opening seven league games. while they were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
Nuno Espirito Santo replaced Graham Potter at the end of September and has already made a positive impact despite not yet having won a game.
As a result, West Ham are keen to back him in the transfer window to aid the transition from Potter’s style of play and boost their chances of survival.
Former West Ham senior scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 9 October that West Ham will listen to Nuno’s transfer plans in a bid to improve their squad.
West Ham join race to sign Joshua Zirkzee
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that Zirkzee could push to leave Man United as he has grown frustrated at his lack of opportunities this season.
As I explained on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, West Ham have now joined the race to land the forward in the January transfer window.
The Hammers’ concerns about their current crop of strikers could see them make a move if they are still struggling for wins and goals mid-way through the season.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “If there is a green light for Zirkzee to leave Man United in January, I’m sure a lot of clubs will be in for him.
“Obviously the player himself is frustrated at his lack of opportunities this season and he could push for a move away in January if those minutes don’t improve.
“There’s always been interest from Italy with the likes of Juventus and Como because of the success he had in Serie A before his move to Man United.
“West Ham, I think it’s pretty obvious that they do need a striker because it’s been a problem position for them in recent years.
“Michael Antonio left when his contract expired, and neither Fullkrug nor Wilson have nailed down that number nine spot in the West Ham side.
“So I think if West Ham are still in relegation trouble come January, I think bringing in a new striker will be key to their hopes of staying up.
“I’m sure there’d be a number of clubs who would be interested in him if Manchester United do reluctantly let him leave in January.”
Zirkzee could follow the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Javier Hernandez and Teddy Sherringham as one of a number of players to have represented Man United and West Ham.
West Ham to back Nuno Espirito Santo in January transfer plans
Brown told Football Insider on 7 October that West Ham want to sign Adama Traore from Fulham as part of their plans to improve Nuno’s squad.
The former Nottingham Forest boss is keen to stamp his mark on his starting XI and is already putting plans in place for the January transfer window.
Nuno could sign three former players for West Ham, with a potential shortlist being drawn up behind the scenes and a number of key positions in mind.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and could soon become available, while he has a strong relationship with the boss from their time at Wolves.
Nuno attempted to sign Traore for Nottingham Forest during the summer, but nothing materialised despite holding late talks over a move to the City Ground.
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