West Ham United are looking to add a fresh centre forward to their squad over the coming months to ensure that Julen Lopetegui and his entourage kick-start their tenure on a positive note and journalist Ben Jacobs, while speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, has name-dropped Callum Wilson as a cheaper and potentially more feasible option over Jhon Duran.
Giving his side the best chance of securing European qualification next season will be in the Spanish tactician’s best interests and, after former boss David Moyes was forced to station Jarrod Bowen – a right-winger by trade – through the middle for the best part of 2023/24, the ex-Real Madrid chief will be looking to address that very issue.
West Ham: Striker Search Latest
Duran emerges as ‘primary target’
That said, publication 90min revealed that Newcastle United veteran Wilson – a player who could be attainable around the £15 to £20 million mark – is also of interest to the east Londoners, though they would have to fend off competition from clubs in the Saudi Pro League to snare his signature.
Jacobs: Wilson Among Names on West Ham List
Duran and David also of interest
Speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs suggested that West Ham do hold an interest in Duran, but he did insist that Unai Emery and Co’s price tag is deemed as ‘too high’ by those at the London Stadium.
The football transfer expert said that his West Ham sources are, therefore, downplaying any chance of Lopetegui getting a deal over the line before name-dropping Wilson – who was labelled as the ‘deadliest’ striker in the Premier League at the end of October 2023 – and Jonathan David of Lille as potential alternatives. Jacobs revealed:
