West Ham United will surely be in the market for another striker this summer no matter who is in the London Stadium dugout.
The Hammers are yet to make a decision on the future of boss David Moyes as his contract comes towards its end.
Moyes may yet stay put but West Ham will be assessing other options too – such as Julen Lopetegui, according to reports in February.
Whether it’s Moyes, Lopetegui or somebody else leading West Ham out next season, one thing is for sure – they will need a striker.
Michail Antonio remains a nuisance to Premier League defenders but he is now 34 and has little competition with Divin Mubama yet to really step up.
West Ham’s record in terms of signing strikers isn’t the best; Sebastien Haller, Gianluca Scamacca, Albian Ajeti, Jordan Hugill… West Ham just haven’t been getting it right in the transfer market in recent years, at least in terms of strikers.
They need to try again this summer though and one new name is believed to be on the radar.
West Ham United want Thijs Dallinga
Give Me Sport now claim that West Ham are interested in signing Toulouse forward Thijs Dallinga.
It’s suggested that Crystal Palace, Fulham and Bournemouth have all joined West Ham in registering an interest in Dallinga.
Dallinga has allegedly been popping up prominently in West Ham’s scouting reports and is now emerging as a summer target.
Dallinga was let go by hometown club Groningen in 2021, paving the way for a free transfer move to Excelsior in Rotterdam.
The 23-year-old smashed 36 goals in 44 games in his one and only season with the club, prompting a move from Toulouse in 2022.
The goals have continued to flow with Dallinga scoring 18 times last season and 16 so far this term.
Hailed as ‘real scorer’ by Ligue 1 pundit Cris, Dallinga has stepped up from the Dutch second tier to France’s top flight admirably.
Now a Dutch international with one cap to his name, Dallinga may be ready for the next step in his career with Premier League clubs keen.
Brentford eyed Dallinga to replace Ivan Toney
One other club who have looked at Dallinga is Brentford.
TEAMtalk suggested in November that Dallinga had been picked out as the top target to replace Ivan Toney.
The Bees have already snapped up a striker though as Club Brugge hitman Igor Thiago will be arriving this summer.
It remains to be seen whether Brentford go back in for Dallinga but West Ham must be wary of them potentially entering the race.
West Ham are considered to be ‘serious’ contenders to sign Toney this summer, so there could be a knock-on effect if either of the London clubs pounce to sign Dallinga this summer.
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