West Ham United have reportedly made strong progress in their attempts to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug during this summer's transfer window.
The Hammers have been unable to find an agreement with Aston Villa over a deal for Jhon Duran and have allegedly now moved on to other forward targets.
According to Sky Sports News, the London club are 'advancing' on a deal for Fullkrug, who was in action for Germany at this summer's European Championship.
The report claims that West Ham are becoming increasingly confident of finding an agreement over a move for the 31-year-old, who has entered the final two years of his contract at Dortmund.
Fullkrug scored 15 times in 43 appearances for Dortmund last season after arriving from Werder Bremen.
The striker also netted twice in five outings for Germany at this summer's European Championship.
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Villa 'register an interest' in Mateta
Meanwhile, Villa are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer.
The 27-year-old was in excellent form for the Eagles during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 19 times and registering five assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.
Mateta is currently representing France at the Olympics, scoring once at the competition in Paris.
According to The Express, Villa are keen on the forward, who is yet to be rewarded with a new and improved deal at Selhurst Park despite his strong form last term.
Villa are said to view Mateta as a possible replacement for Duran, who continues to be linked with West Ham and is also admired by Chelsea.
Juventus and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with an interest in Mateta, with Palace with seemingly facing a battle to keep hold of the Frenchman beyond the end of the summer deadline.
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Antonio 'to remain at West Ham'
Elsewhere, Michail Antonio is reportedly expected to remain a West Ham this summer.
The 34-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the London Stadium, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.
The Hammers were thought to be looking to move Antonio on this summer, but according to Football Insider, newly-appointed head coach Julen Lopetegui wants to keep hold of him.
Lopetegui is reportedly confident that Antonio can 'add value' to the team during the 2024-25 campaign.
The forward has represented the Hammers on 308 occasions in all competitions, scoring 82 goals and registering 40 assists in the process.
Last season, Antonio made 32 appearances for his London club, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.
Matt Law
