West Ham step up striker pursuit as talks opened with representatives of Watford star

West Ham United have taken a significant step forward in the club’s efforts to secure attacking reinforcements ahead of next season, according to reports.

The subject of the centre forward options, or lack thereof, at the disposal of David Moyes has of course proven a headline talking point at the London Stadium across the season to date.

This comes with Michail Antonio, as the Irons’ only recognised striker option, having, through no fault of his own, essentially been run into the ground.

It should therefore come as little surprise to hear that, ahead of the summer transfer window swinging open, those in a position of power at the London Stadium have identified the addition of a new striker as something of a priority.

And, as alluded to above, this week, a move for one such target on the part of Moyes and co. was kicked firmly into gear.

As per a report from transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Hammers are ‘stepping up their bid’ to bring Watford star Emmanuel Dennis to the club ahead of next season.

Negotiations are understood to have been opened between the two parties earlier this week, with Watford’s imminent relegation to the Championship having given rise to confidence that a deal, over the coming weeks, will ultimately be struck.

West Ham are stepping up their bid to sign Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis after holding talks with his representatives this week in London. #WHUFC #WatfordFc

— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) May 21, 2022

Chelsea star eyed

Interestingly, word of West Ham’s move for Dennis comes fresh on the back of the Londoners being tipped as a potential landing spot for another hitman currently plying his trade in the Premier League, too.

The player in question? Armando Broja.

As per the reliable Nizaar Kinsella of Goal, Albanian international Broja, who spent the campaign on loan at Southampton from parent club Chelsea, has been added to the transfer wishlists of no fewer than five clubs ahead of the summer:

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is attracting interest from AC Milan, Inter, Napoli, West Ham and Newcastle. Tuchel wants to look at him in pre-season but he will want a good role given the interest. Decisions to make for #CFC: https://t.co/vVYZhvecYl

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) May 21, 2022