Transfer News

Report claims West Ham plan to partner Sebastien Haller with 245-goal striker Mario Mandzukic in January

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West Ham United sold Javier Hernandez to Sevilla this week and are already lining up a replacement according to a new report.

The decision to sell Chicharito means West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has shipped out all five of last season’s senior striker options.

Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll, Lucas Perez, Jordan Hugill (on loan) and now Hernandez have left the Hammers.

Some fans are concerned West Ham may have left themselves short.

Pellegrini has brought in record signing Sebastien Haller and unproven forward Albian Ajeti.

Photo by James Griffiths West Ham United FC via Getty Images

West Ham reliant on Haller staying injury-free

But Michail Antonio is out until January-February with a serious hamstring injury.

West Ham have promoted another injured forward, Xande Silva – himself out until October – to the senior squad.

The Portuguese youngster is the 17th and last non-homegrown player in West Ham’s squad list submitted to the Premier League this week.

According to a new report in The Mirror, though, Pellegrini has his eyes on bringing in 245-goal striker Mario Mandzukic in January.

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini Getty Images

Report claims Pellegrini wants 245-goal Mandzukic

The Mirror claims West Ham want to sign the 33-year-old Croatian on loan in January despite reservations about his age.

Mandzukic has scored 212 club goals in a superb career and a further 33 for his national team.

But his time at Juventus looks to be nearing an end. He is yet to feature for Juve this season under new manager Maurizio Sarri. And to add insult to injury he was also left out of the Italian giants’ Champions League squad.

Mandzukic has been linked with West Ham in the past.

Photo by Hugo Hu West Ham United FC via Getty Images

Mario worth breaking new transfer policy for?

The striker does not fit the new profile of player the Hammers are signing under Pellegrini and director of football Mario Husillos (pictured together above).

But as a short-term measure to help Haller and co carry the load over the second half of the season there won’t be many better quality options out there.

And every team needs a few experienced heads in the squad.

Mandzukic is certainly that and would also bring a winning mentality, great work ethic and is suited to English football.

As a pair Haller and Mandzukic would take some stopping. Both 6ft 3in and bullishly strong, there are not many opposition defences who would fancy playing against them.