OPINION
They could be thrilled or they could furious, either way, every single West Ham fan is bound to have an opinion on the club’s reported pursuit of Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge.
According to the Sun in their live transfer blog on Thursday [12:23pm], the Hammers have shown an interest in signing the 29-year-old striker, who is in the final six months of his contract at Anfield and appears to be heading towards leaving.
Everton, Newcastle and Southampton are also said to be keen on signing the England international, while MLS club New York City are currently favourites to seal his signature.
West Ham may find themselves in need of a new striker this month with both Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic being linked with moves away form the London Stadium, so it is understandable that Manuel Pellegrini would have his eye on someone like Sturridge.
The former Chelsea striker is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, hitting the back of then net on 77 occasions in England’s top-flight, which is not bad for someone who seems to have been injured for his entire career.
However it is injuries are what are bound to get West Ham fans talking about this particular transfer report, not his record in front of goal.
Sturridge is a top, top striker on his day, but it is so rarely that he gets his day because of injury issues.
West Brom found that out the hard way last season when Alan Pardew signed him on loan from Liverpool, only for him to pick up an injury on his third appearance for the club.
He missed the next six games, with the Baggies picking up just one point in that run as their relegation from the Premier League was basically confirmed.
Should West Ham take a risk on the striker?
Some will surely say he is worth it. He is an England international after all and he has shown that he can hit the back of then net regularly when he plays. However, others will no doubt want to stay well clear of the Liverpool senior player because of his inconsistent fitness record.
Sturridge has managed to stay relatively fit this season, appearing 18 times in all competitions, but that could be down to the fact that he is only playing every now and then, whereas at West Ham he would more than likely be started every week if one of Arnautovic or Hernandez leaves.
It may be best for Pellegrini to avoid the Birmingham-born forward as there are surely better, cheaper and less-risky options out there.
But it wouldn’t be unlike West Ham to sign up Sturridge at some point before the end of the month.