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Our View: West Ham could have a lethal strike duo, and it would cost David Moyes just £20m

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West Ham boss David Moyes desperately needs to bring a new striker to the London Stadium this summer.

Read also: West Ham fans should be excited, returning £15m man could unlock Haller next term

Albian Ajeti has already left for Celtic, leaving Sebastien Haller and Xande Silva as the only recognised centre-forwards at the club.

The main priority for Moyes should be strengthening his defence this season. But the Hammers must not overlook their glaring weaknesses in attack.

Haller joined West Ham from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer for around £45 million (BBC).

Watford FC v West Ham United - Premier League
Sebastien Haller (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old has failed to impress in east London, but it must be pointed out that he quite simply hasn’t been used in the correct system, nor has he been given the type of service he thrives on.

Manuel Pellegrini and David Moyes both made one notable error when playing Haller. They deployed him as a lone striker. Anyone who watched the Bundesliga during the 2018/19 campaign will know that the Frenchman excelled when playing as part of a two pronged attack alongside Luka Jovic.

And West Ham could replicate that by signing Ollie Watkins from Brentford this summer.

Dream partnership

The Bees are prepared to sell the 24-year-old for £20 million this summer (Claret and Hugh).

Brentford v Swansea City - Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi-final 2nd Leg
Ollie Watkins (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Watkins was sensational for Brentford last season, scoring 26 goals in 49 games (Who Scored).

Not only is the 24-year-old a lethal finisher, but he is also a tireless worker, and is well-renowned for making unselfish runs into the channels, freeing up space for his teammates in the process.

Watkins and Haller could dovetail perfectly for West Ham, and £20 million would be a small price to pay to make that dream partnership a reality.

We all know that Moyes must sell before he can buy, however. So unless there are some outgoings fairly soon, there will be no chance of teaming Haller up with Watkins next season.