West Ham United are being heavily linked with a move for Reims striker Boulaye Dia but is it just a smokescreen?
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Le 10 Sport were the first to report on West Ham’s interest in the 24-year-old hitman.
The likes of Sky Sports and West Ham insider ExWHUemployee have since reported that some of the Sebastien Haller money will be spent trying to bring Dia to the club as his replacement.
According to ExWHUemployee overnight talks are continuing over a deal for Dia.
Hammer continue talks over Dia
But in an exciting twist for West Ham fans, the anonymous insider revealed there are ongoing talks with two mystery forwards who have yet to be linked in the press.
Whether Dia is a smokescreen or West Ham intend to sign two strikers remains to be seen.
The latter is quite possible given David Moyes was actively trying to sign a forward in the summer BEFORE offloading Haller for £20m to Ajax last week.
But Ex also pointed out the club are effectively casting the net wide to ensure they get the best value.
Is Dia a smokescreen? Do West Ham want two strikers? Or is Moyes just hedging his bets?
Speaking on his Patreon site, ExWHUemployee made the revelation and said he will provide further details today.
“Talks are currently ongoing with Dia and his club over a potential move,” ExWHUemployee said on his Patreon site.
“This however is not the only talks that are ongoing as communication has been made with others of which apparently a couple have yet to be reported on yet.
“We are looking to weigh up the best available deal to us. More to come tomorrow (Friday).”
With Luka Jovic rejoining Frankfurt, Moussa Dembele moving to Atletico Madrid and Marko Arnautovic returning to China, West Ham’s striker search is starting to narrow.
Hammers striker search narrows
The fact there are new names in the frame suggests West Ham are not pursuing a move for the likes of Patson Daka and Eddie Nketiah.
The wider media focus is on Dia. His strong goal record this season has been questioned given a third of his goals have been penalties.
But some would argue he still has to score them. And West Ham need a new penalty taker given Mark Noble no longer plays regularly.
Although the chance would be a fine thing as West Ham are yet to be awarded a penalty this season.
It is certainly a more interesting transfer window than expected after the Haller sale.
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