West Ham are set to step up their striker search this week, with Chelsea forward Armando Broja the club’s leading target.
The Hammers made their third major signing of the summer last Thursday when midfielder Flynn Downes arrived from Swansea, but a centre-forward has been a key priority for David Moyes since the transfer window opened.
The Irons boss has tried and failed to bring in competition for Michail Antonio in each of the past two windows, including having a club record bid for now Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez knocked back by Benfica on deadline day in January.
Broja impressed on loan at Southampton last season, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances in all competitions. He has since returned to Chelsea but has not travelled with the bulk of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for their pre-season tour of the USA amid speculation over his future.
West Ham are yet to make a formal offer to the Blues, but have been involved in talks, which are expected to ramp up over the next 72 hours.
Both Everton and Newcastle are also interested in the Albanian international, but it is understood he would prefer a move to the London Stadium, with the prospect of an initial loan not ruled out.
Should their pursuit of Broja fail, Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz, who scored 22 times in 37 Championship appearances last term, is one of a number of alternatives being considered.
However, Sevilla are reluctant to sell forward Youssef En-Nesyri, who West Ham bid for unsuccessfully last summer.
