OPINION
With the Premier League season coming to a close on Sunday, many teams will now have one eye on the transfer window and potential incomings at their clubs.
Mark Noble made it clear on Friday that he expected West Ham to bring in some young and hungry players in the summer but the first linked to the club is an international striker.
Portuguese outlet A Bola claim that the Hammers are set to reignite their interest in Porto striker Moussa Marega from 2018 and his signature could well propel Manuel Pellegrini’s men up the table.
This would be a great move from West Ham and an inspired piece of business to replace fringe forwards such as Lucas Perez and Javier Hernandez, who the club are expected to sell in the summer.
Marega, 28, has been in great form for Porto this season, being involved in 31 goals – 20 of those his own and 11 as assists – in his 44 appearances. His hold up play and strength on the ball allows his attacking teammates to influence the game in the final third so much and that could be influential in a West Ham shirt for the likes of Felipe Anderson.
Although the Mali international has been playing Champions League football with Porto, he was reported to have refused to train when the Portuguese club refused to sell him to West Ham last summer and this could be a major factor in him forcing a move to the Premier League.
A second attempt at Marega’s signature could be difference between another mid table finish and European qualification for West Ham next season.