West Ham United have shown interest in RB Leipzig forward Andre Silva, with initial enquiries reportedly made regarding a potential move.
The Portuguese striker has emerged as one of several attacking options under consideration as the Hammers look to bolster their firepower.
West Ham have become suddenly short in attack, with injuries to summer signing Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen leaving new manager Graham Potter short up front.
Fullkrug, who was brought in for £27m, has played just 11 games across all competitions due to injury, scoring just twice in the process.
Adding to the club's woes, Michail Antonio has been ruled out for the season after being involved in a serious car accident, leaving 32-year-old Danny Ings as the club's only fit and recognised striker.
Leipzig open to Silva departure
© Imago
Reports from Sky Sports News suggest that West Ham have made initial enquiries regarding Silva, with plans of signing him in the current winter transfer window.
The striker, who has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Leipzig, has struggled for game time this season, with the 29-year-old yet to start a Bundesliga match in the current campaign, prompting speculation about his future in Germany.
The German side are understood to prefer a permanent transfer but may entertain a loan deal if it includes an obligation to buy – however, West Ham are weighing up their options, with the financial implications likely to play a key role in any potential agreement.
The Portuguese forward has a solid pedigree, having scored 28 goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt during the 2020-21 season, and while his form has dipped since then, Silva's ability to lead the line and find the back of the net remains an attractive proposition.
West Ham monitoring multiple attacking targets
© Imago
In addition to Silva, West Ham are keeping tabs on a host of other attacking talents, including Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson, Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi, and French forward Evann Guessand.
Ferguson, 19, has been a revelation for Brighton, showcasing maturity beyond his years with his finishing and link-up play – however, his injury record could leave the Hammers pondering if it is a deal worth pursuing.
Meanwhile, Awoniyi has impressed at Nottingham Forest, delivering crucial goals and physical presence since his arrival from Union Berlin, though Chris Wood's form has relegated the Nigerian forward to the bench, and with his thirst for more minutes, he looks like a realistic option for the Hammers.
Guessand, though less established than the other names on the list, has caught the eye with his dynamic displays, and could represent a lower-cost option with significant upside if West Ham decide to pursue his signature.
While the Hammers continue their search for a striker during the remaining days of the January transfer window, they will immediately shift their focus to Sunday's clash with Aston Villa, aiming to bounce back from their recent defeat to Crystal Palace.
