Graham Potter says there is a “logical rational” for West Ham to sign a forward in January, after the Hammers held talks over a loan deal for Marcus Rashford.
West Ham have considered a move for Rashford after losing £27million summer signing Niclas Fullkrug to a hamstring injury.
But the logistics of a potential deal mean a move for the Manchester United forward is unlikely.
Fullkrug is facing months out after limping off in Friday’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa and his injury is another blow for West Ham, who are already without Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.
Bowen is out until at least next month with a fractured foot, while Antonio will not play again this season after breaking his leg in a car crash in December.
Losing Fullkrug leaves West Ham with Danny Ings as their only fit striker, as Potter bids to turn their season around after taking over from Julen Lopetegui last week.
Asked whether it is imperative West Ham signing a forward this month, Potter said: “I would not say [it is] imperative. Obviously with the situation with Mic as well, there is certainly a logical rational to do something.
“But it is not quite as simple as that. I would not want to make the wrong decision or do something for the sake of it in this window.”
Fullkrug has endured a difficult start to life at West Ham following his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
The 31-year-old starred for Germany at Euro 2024 but has struggled with fitness issues and managed just two goals in 11 appearances for the Hammers.
On his injury, Potter said: “Fair to say it is a significant one.
“When a player pulls up like that, you know that something fairly serious has happened.
“It is still early in terms of full diagnosis but nevertheless a significant one, and a number of weeks. A number of weeks probably leads up to months, yes.”
West Ham are also set to be without Crysencio Summerville against Fulham on Tuesday after he suffered a minor injury against Villa.
“It is a minor one with him,” Potter said. “It was probably a little bit more than precautionary. He felt something after about 35 minutes, finished the first half probably not at 100 per cent.
“It is probably touch and go, but probably airing to towards the negative at the moment.”
