
West Ham close in on signing Michail Antonio replacement – sources
West Ham are keen to sign a new forward in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Irons are preparing to add to their striker options after the devastating injury to Michail Antonio earlier in December.
Antonio, 34, suffered a lower leg fracture and has undergone surgery – with the Jamaica international expected to be out for at least a year.
That leaves summer signing Niclas Fullkrug and Danny Ings as the club’s only senior natural forwards.
It is believed West Ham will explore the loan market for potential targets after spending big on new signings in the summer window.
Julen Lopetegui will also be hoping the injury sustained by top scorer Jarrod Bowen in the 5-0 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday (29 December) is not serious.
Bowen limped off after 60 minutes following a robust challenge from Alexis Mac Allister.
West Ham target loan replacement for Antonio
He has scored six goals this term, while forward trio Antonio, Ings and Fullkrug have hit one goal each.
The Irons have both Premier League loan spots open to them in the January window, a luxury which is not shared by many other sides in the bottom half of the table.

Julen Lopetegui’s side sit 13th in the table and are eight points above the drop zone after 19 games.
They are next in action against Man City on Saturday (4 January).
In other news, Lopetegui sack update from West Ham.
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