West Ham have joined the hunt to sign Watford captain Troy Deeney, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims that the Hammers are interested in the centre-forward alongside Premier League rivals Newcastle United and West Brom.
It is understood that David Moyes’ side are lining up a late bid in the January transfer window to sign the 29-year-old if they miss out on their other attacking target Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool, who is available on loan but with an obligation to buy for £25million in the summer.
The report details that West Ham have been forced to enter the market for a striker following injuries to first-team trio Andy Carroll, Marko Arnuatovic and Diafra Sakho.
Meanwhile, Newcastle and West Brom are already preparing offers for Deeney before next Wednesday’s deadline day.
Good move for West Ham?
Sturridge is rightfully the club’s number one target, but Deeney wouldn’t be the worst alternative.
The striker is no longer a guaranteed starter this season for Watford, but is an experienced player that can lead the line well with his strength.
He has been a key player at Vicarage Road for many years and has an eye-catching return of 109 goals in 320 Watford appearances.
Deeney would be a decent signing late in the January window, but is hardly a name that will get the fans excited.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
It seems like Deeney is a last resort for West Ham, but even then previous bad blood between the player and club could prove difficult to secure a deal.
He accused the Hammers of trying to “mug Watford off” last season in a game at the London Stadium that the visitors won 3-2.
The striker is a key senior figure at Watford, but he will be desperate for more minutes on the pitch and a potential switch in January is still on the cards.
However, Moyes’ side are only expected to enter the race if they miss out on Sturridge and their Premier League rivals seem better placed to sign Deeney.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10