The latest West Ham transfer news has the Hammers pursuing several possible attacking signings this January window.
With injuries to key forwards Jarod Bowen and Michail Antonio, Julen Lopetegui is reportedly desperate to bring in some additional firepower.
Although improvement is needed in other areas, it’s the final third which takes top priority.
The club have therefore been narrowing down options as the transfer window opens.
At the moment, there are three forwards on their shortlist – Evan Ferguson of Brighton, Hwang Hee-Chan of Wolves, and Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Limited funding means that the club would prefer loan signings, though are open to permanent deals if they can generate sufficient revenue through player sales
West Ham Transfer News: Three Attacking Options
Evan Ferguson – Brighton
As reported by the Telegraph, Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been heavily linked with a loan move.
The 20-year-old has scored just once in 14 appearances for the Seagulls this term, but is a highly-rated young talent.
It is reported that West Ham have already enquired about his availability on loan.
Brighton appear open to allowing the youngster to gain more minutes elsewhere, but are waiting on Danny Welbeck’s fitness before they sanction Ferguson’s exit.
Republic of Ireland international Ferguson could be an ideal temporary solution for both West Ham and Brighton.
The South Coast side would prefer the player to remain in the Premier League, making West Ham an appealing destination.
Hwang Hee-Chan – Wolves
Another striker on West Ham’s radar is Wolves’ Hwang Hee-Chan.
The Korean international has 24 goals in 109 games for the Midlands outfit, as well as 15 for South Korea.
Wolves turned down a £21m bid from Marseille for Hwang last summer, and he has two goals in his last two appearances for the club.
Any move from West Ham would therefore be costly. Vitor Pereira is also unlikely to let one of his key men join a relegation rival mid-season.
If West Ham do sign Hwang, it seems more likely to be in the summer – especially if Wolves were to be relegated.
Emmanuel Latte Lath – Middlesbrough
There has been plenty of Premier League interest in Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath.
The Ivorian has nine goals for Boro this season, and has been heavily linked with Leicester City.
But if West Ham are low on funds, he could represent a cheaper option than Hwang.
It’s always a risk to bring Championship players up to the Premier League, though.
And there is no reason to believe Middlesbrough would let him go without a fight.
Poor Results Force West Ham To Pursue New Arrivals
Julen Lopetegui was already under immense pressure this season.
He survived a game dubbed ‘El Sackico’ earlier this season, with West Ham beating Wolves to ease pressure on their manager and spell the end for ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil.
But having seemingly turned a corner, heavy losses to Liverpool and Manchester City have put them back under scrutiny.
The board are though to be keen on backing Lopetegui in the January window, rather than replacing the boss, though.
As well as attaackers, West Ham are keen to recruit in midfield. Options include Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka.
However, should things not improve, there are reports suggesting ex-Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter could be brought in to replace Lopetegui until the end of the season.
