West Ham in striker scramble as Watford ace among three now linked

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West Ham could be set to target a couple of African players over the next couple of weeks in a bid to fill the void left by Sebastian Haller’s exit.

Haller, 26, has left the London Stadium to join Eredivisie outfit Ajax, leaving Michail Antonio as the only recognised striker.

With the transfer window now open, boss David Moyes is hoping to bolster his attacking ranks. And SunSport are reporting that they will table a £30million bid for Watford’s Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr.

The 22-year-old remained with the Hornets after relegation and was targeted by Crystal Palace. The Eagles’ £25m plus extras offer was rejected on deadline day as Watford sought more.

It has now been suggested that the East End outfit will better that figure as they look to do business.

The former Rennes ace is said to harbour hopes of a switch to either Liverpool or Manchester United. But the big two have yet to show their hand and it may well come down to West Ham or another Palace bid.


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Moyes wants to bring a new man in and admits he will need to think fast without any help.

“You get in a situation, you play with a false nine and you can do that,” he said. “You have to start being creative and certainly Pep [Guardiola] has been that with what he’s done at Man City, and who knows if we don’t have anybody, we will need to start being creative ourselves here.”

Moyes could turn to Germany

RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka is another African thought to be under consideration by West Ham. The 22-year-old has been scoring goals for fun this season, with 10 in 14 games to date.

The Zambia international has notched twice in the Champions League and is keen to move to the Premier League. Moyes may be helped by the fact his agent is former West Ham and Tottenham striker Freddie Kanoute.

The Hammers are also said to be thinking about Poland striker Krzysztof Piatek. The 25-year-old currently plies his trade for Hertha Berlin.

They appear willing to loan him with a view to buying after his mixed time in the German top flight. The former AC Milan forward has scored eight goals from 29 Bundesliga appearances after joining 12 months ago.

Hertha paid Milan €27m for his signature and will want to recoup the majority of that outlay should West Ham come calling.

 

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