A David Moyes confidant claims West Ham will back Tim Steidten by funding record transfer for Victor Boniface.
That’s according to a sensational update from Scottish journalist Alan Nixon, a journalist who counts West Ham manager David Moyes among his close contacts.
Moyes told Les Ferdinand in a TV interview last month that he has been scouring the world trying to find a new striker.
And the Hammers boss confirmed the task has been made difficult by a dearth of available talent in that position.
Moyes confidant: West Ham back Steidten with record transfer
The Irons have been linked with a plethora of forwards, especially since offloading Gianluca Scamacca in the summer.
The club’s lack of depth up front has been exposed of late due to injuries and AFCON.
But it seems West Ham may finally have settled on the man they want to succeed Michail Antonio, who turns 34 in March.
And that man is Nigeria striker Victor Boniface from Tim Steidten’s former club Bayer Leverkusen.
Boniface is not at AFCON due to injury but will be fit soon.
£50m raid touted
And writing on his Patreon, Sun journalist Nixon claims West Ham will back Steidten’s judgement with a £50m bid they believe may tempt the German club into selling.
“West Ham are lining up a stunning £50 million move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Nigeria international striker Victor Boniface,” Nixon claims.
“Hammers technical director Tim Steidten is pushing for the massive swoop and could pull it off before the window shuts…
“West Ham have the cash for a splash and boss David Moyes is behind the idea of going big for a proven striker.”
The powerful, all-action 23-year-old boasts many striking similarities to Antonio.
Perfect Antonio heir
And his playing style makes him ideal for Moyes’ system.
With Lucas Paqueta expected to join Man City if and when he is cleared of the case against him, the future looks to be Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen in the wide forward roles.
Whether this deal has any chance in what remains of the January transfer window seems unlikely.
But if not then it sounds like it is certainly one to watch for the summer.
Boniface has scored 29 goals and laid on 17 assists in 68 senior club appearances in his career so far.
There is some confusion over who is West Ham’s record transfer signing. Sebastien Haller held that title at £45m but it was reportedly surpassed by the arrival of Paqueta for £51m. However Moyes has disputed that is the case in the past with claims that deal was £35m with various add-ons.
If that is the case Boniface would be West Ham’s record signing if this deal does transpire.
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