WEST HAM are desperately looking to sign a forward this month after injuries and the African Cup of Nations decimated their forward line.
Lucas Paqueta could now be sidelined for up to two months after aggravating his knee injury while Jarrod Bowen is likely to miss around three weeks with an ankle problem.
GettySteven Bergwijn has emerged as a target for West Ham[/caption]
GettyJack Clarke is also being monitored[/caption]
Michail Antonio suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury and could be out for another six weeks, while Mohammed Kudus is away with Ghana at AFCON.
Hammers boss David Moyes was confident January would not need to be busy but plans have now been changed, with one source saying the club are “urgently” looking to find reinforcements this month.
Ajax winger Steven Bergwijn is well liked while Sunderland winger Jack Clarke is also being monitored.
The club’s injury crisis is likely to put a stop on moves away for Danny Ings and Said Benrahma.
Wolves have been in talks over a loan move for former Liverpool man Ings, who is one of West Ham’s highest earners but has scored just three goals since joining from Aston Villa last year.
Lyon are interested in a move for Benrahma, who West Ham value at £20million.
Ideally West Ham will sell players before buying due to financial restrictions, but the club are now prepared to push the boundaries on Financial Fair Play in order to bring someone in.
Moyes is now left with Ings and Divin Mubama as his only options to play through the middle.
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AFPJarrod Bowen is set to be absent for at least two weeks with an ankle injury[/caption]
ReutersLucas Paqueta could miss two months with a knee issue[/caption]
Ings has not settled while the chances Mubama has been given has left the Hammers boss feeling the youngster, who is out of contract in the summer, is not ready for this level.
West Ham’s winter break will be cut short next week when they face Bristol City in an FA Cup third round replay.
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by Liam Manning’s side on Sunday.