West Ham ‘working on signing top-class striker’ amid Callum Wilson concerns
West Ham have set their sights on signing a new striker ahead of the January transfer window as they aim to bolster their attacking options.
That is according to former West Ham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his previous clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Nuno Espirito Santo is determined to land a “top-class” forward.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 8 December that West Ham are concerned about Callum Wilson and his ability to lead the line due to his lack of fitness.
The 33-year-old remains part of the Hammers’ plans, but there is a growing feeling they will need a more reliable and clinical number nine to spearhead their attack.
Nuno’s desire to land a new forward follows Football Insider‘s reveal that West Ham are prepared to sell Niclas Fullkrug as he eyes a return to Germany.
Nuno Espirito Santo sets sights on top-class striker
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 7 December that West Ham are willing to spend £20million on a striker when the January transfer window opens.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the Hammers are already working behind the scenes to identify targets.
“West Ham are in need of a top-class striker,” he told Football Insider.
“They have Bowen to provide goals from the wing, but they can’t rely on him scoring every week, they can’t rely on Fullkrug or Wilson either.
“So they want somebody to lead the line and score goals. That’s easier said than done.
“In this current market, you have to take chances when they become available, so they’ll be right across that and making sure they’re aware of any changes.
“They’ll be working hard behind the scenes to find players who fit their budget and style, because it’s going to be one of their priorities.
“Signing a striker is always difficult, doing it in January is even worse, but if you do it right then there are deals to be done, and that’s what they hope will happen.”
West Ham assessing multiple striker targets
Brown told Football Insider on 4 December that Nuno wants to overhaul his West Ham squad, with new recruits targeted in up to five key positions.
The addition of a new striker has emerged as one of the priorities among those positions given their lack of firepower and the ongoing fight against relegation.
As a result, Football Insider exclusively revealed in November that West Ham are interested in Josh Sargent and have sent scouts to track his displays at Norwich.
Meanwhile, West Ham are keeping tabs on Troy Parrott, who has impressed with his performances for AZ Alkmaar and the Republic of Ireland so far this season.
Those are just two of a number of targets on the Hammers’ radar who would be within their tight budget, as they remain determined to back Nuno in any way they can.
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