West Ham United are considering a bid for Bournemouth striker Josh King, according to a report by Jacob Steinberg and Ben Fisher in the Guardian. However, the Hammers are unwilling to meet Bournemouth’s asking price with the player only having one year left on his contract.
The Norweigan is keen to move back to the Premier League following Bournemouth’s relegation and has held talks with West Ham.
However, any deal seems unlikely if Bournemouth doesn’t lower their asking price. West Ham only have to wait until January to sign a pre-contract with the player, which means that they will get him free.
Another sticking point is King’s wage demands, according to the report.
West Ham Want to Sign Josh King From Bournemouth
King is a Replacement for Felipe Anderson
West Ham manager David Moyes is keen on strengthening his forward line, according to the report.
And it’s no surprise why. The Hammers lost both Felipe Anderson and Grady Diangana in the transfer window.
While the Hammers struggled defensively last season, they put up good numbers offensively, scoring an impressive 49 goals. This was more than Sheffield United, who finished ninth.
But with the departure of Anderson, they’ve lost some squad depth. The Brazilian was not a key part of the Hammers last season, making only 25 appearances and assisting on four goals, but he offered David Moyes another attacking option.
King has shown that he could more than fill the Brazilian’s shoes. Last year, he scored six goals and provided four assists in the Premier League.
However, West Ham will be hoping that he can hit his peak form. In 2016/17, the forward scored an impressive sixteen goals and earned a reputation as one of the league’s better strikers.
If he can rekindle that form for West Ham, then the Hammers may shoot up the table.
A Confusing Transfer Policy
West Ham have consistently surprised viewers and fans with their transfer policy.
Many examples come to mind, but chief among them is the signing of Patrice Evra after Marseille released him. The Frenchman was well past his best and did nothing to improve the Hammer’s fortune.
Similarly, in this transfer window, West Ham has done little to strengthen its main area of concern – their defence. They only added right-back Vladimir Coufal who is unproven in the Premier League. Instead of King, the Hammers need a top class centre back. The club needs to re-evaluate their priorities if they wish to challenge top-level prizes and break into Europe. Otherwise, they will continue this cycle of mid-table mediocrity.
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