West Ham, Newcastle face Prem rivals in chase for in-form Serie A striker

Fulham have reportedly joined Premier League rivals Newcastle and West Ham in the hunt to sign a Serie A striker this month.

Spezia striker M’Bala Nzola has been linked with a switch to England over the past few months. Indeed, Leeds have also been mentioned as a potential destination.

With the window closing on February 1, it had appeared that the 24-year-old would be staying put. However, reports in Italy on Tuesday claimed late interest in the attacker.

Journalist Armando Napoletano claimed on Calcio Napoli 24 Live (as cited by Sport Witness) that the Cottagers were ready to rival Newcastle and the Hammers for the player.

At this stage, it would still appear that a summer deal appears move likely. But all three clubs are in desperate new on a new frontman.

To that end, anything could happen as the window counts down.

Spezia are expected to lose many of their top stars at the end of the season after holding their own in Italy’s top flight. This season is the first time in their history they have competed in Serie A, where they currently sit 15th.

Nzola’s impressive goal return

There is no mention of a fee at this stage, although Transfermarkt values the player at a lowly €4million.

Spezia, however, would expect to command more for a player who has scored nine league goals this season.

For West Ham a new striker remains a top priority, with Edin Dzeko and RB Leipzig star Hee-Chan Hwang major options.

Newcastle have strikers but the goals have completely dried up Callum Wilson, while Andy Carroll is also struggling.

Fulham’s leading marksman Aleksandar Mitrovic, meanwhile, has only netted twice in the Premier League this season.

All three clubs will be hoping that Spezia are open to doing business this month.