West Ham are looking to blow London rivals Fulham away in their transfer hunt for Nice goal machine Alassan Plea this summer, according to the Sun.
The newspaper report that after holding long-term interest in the capture of the 25-year-old speed demon, the Hammers are ready to pull the trigger on a move which could cost up to £25million.
It is said that the Irons are willing to match any offer the Cottagers table for Plea, who scored 21 goals across all competitions for the French side last season, and that the player himself is on standby over potentially jetting into London from the south coast of France to hold talks with one or both of the clubs.
Good move for West Ham?
They are reported to have been watching him for some time and if that is the case, they will know his strengths, weaknesses, and where he will fit into the first team at the London Stadium.
The Irons could certainly do with some added firepower and if Plea can replicate his impressive goal scoring exploits from France in the Premier League, they will get exactly what they need.
The £25million price tag is a little hefty for someone who has scored nearly half his goals for Nice in the last season, despite having been at the French side for nearly four years, and it must be considered whether he has finally developed into a natural goal scorer, or whether last season was something of a fluke.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on whether they can beat their competition to his capture.
Fulham look set to spend big following their return to the Premier League, while Tottenham have also been registered with holding interest in his signing.
That could make it difficult for West Ham to lead the chase, and it will certainly take some serious convincing for Plea to make the move.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10