West Ham have been advised of who they should pursue should a deal for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham not materialise as they hope.
The Hammers have identified Abraham as the ideal candidate to fill the number 9 hole in their squad. The 23-year-old was a key man for the Blues in the 2019/20 season, scoring 15 Premier League goals. However, the arrival of big money signings following the conclusion of the club’s transfer embargo more than halved his league minutes last campaign.
As such, he appears to be available this summer. Recent reports suggested David Moyes’ men are the frontrunners to secure his signing.
However, Chelsea have transfer plans of their own. With Abraham seen as a valuable goalscoring asset, he appears to be a useful tempter in negotiations for big deals.
Within the last week it has been reported the England man has been touted as a possible makeweight in moves for both Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
Therefore, West Ham do not have a solid grip on a potential deal. Alternative options will be needed.
And player-turned-pundit Noel Whelan believes an ideal back-up would be Liverpool’s Divock Origi.
Origi has seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield after seven years with the Reds.
As such, Whelan feels he should be the Hammers’ second choice target.
“It’s a very reasonable price for Origi,” he told Football Insider.
“We have see that on his day he is a great player. He is someone who can hold the ball up, get in behind or even play out wide. He gives you lots of options as a manager.
“At Liverpool he has been sitting in the shadows because of the talent they have. A lot of clubs will think that if he plays regularly he’ll be able to get himself into the groove and start scoring goals.
“He would be a great asset for West Ham or any club for that matter.
“If the Tammy Abraham deal doesn’t go through, you know there is a good player available there for £15million. That’s not a lot of money in this day and age.
“He is a striker of great quality and the time has come on for him to leave.”
Hammers have leg up in midfielder race
Meanwhile, West Ham can offer something their rivals can’t after joining Leeds in a four-way tussle to sign a Man City midfielder, per a report.
Moyes is looking for several key acquisitions as well as a striker to ensure their Europa League campaign does not detract from their domestic ambitions.
According to The Telegraph (via CaughtOffside), they have joined the race for Man City midfielder, Yangel Herrera.
That name may not ring any bells for many fans given the 23-year-old has yet to play a single match for Pep Guardiola’s side. He has spent every season out on loan since arriving in 2017.
The report states the Hammers’ ability to offer European football could give them a leg up on Leeds and other admirers Crystal Palace and Southampton.
READ MORE: West Ham still in running as favourites emerge for €15m striker
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