Tim Steidten will be a relieved man today as West Ham finally make a major striker breakthrough at last according to Sky Sports’ top transfer reporter.
After more than three weeks without a signing there may be some good news on the way for West Ham.
The new Premier League season is now less than three weeks away.
But West Ham have been struggling to made headway in their squad rebuild for Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers want eight signings this summer but have made just three so far.
And two of those are not necessarily for the starting XI with Wes Foderingham third choice goalkeeper and Luis Guilherme a rough diamond.
Technical director Tim Steidten is feeling the heat for the first time since he arrived at West Ham last summer.
West Ham’s window keeps striking out
The Hammers have seen a host of deals collapse or targets move elsewhere.
West Ham confirmed signing a striker was the top priority after landing Max Kilman over three weeks ago.
But Steidten has been unable to bring one in thus far with deals for the likes of Jhon Duran hitting a brick wall.
Top Lopetegui target Youssef En-Nesyri joined Fenerbahce and moves for other forwards such as Karim Adeyemi have been rejected out of hand.
Some fans have been critical of the fact Steidten is currently with West Ham’s first team on their tour of the US.
Although he has been captured on camera glued to his phone, many feel the German would be better off back here in Europe working on signings.
But now there’s relief for Steidten as West Ham finally make a major striker breakthrough at last.
Steidten relief as West Ham make major striker breakthrough
And it seems one of his compatriots could be about to spark the Hammers’ window back into life.
Because West Ham are now in talks with Borussia Dortmund to sign Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug.
And Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth says the 31-year-old is up for the move and that personal terms won’t be an issue.
“West Ham United have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund over the signing of striker Niclas Fullkrug,” Sheth said.
“West Ham are discussing the conditions of a deal.
“It is understood Fullkrug is open to the move and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.”
Compatriot Fullkrug to the rescue at second time of asking?
West Ham wanted to, could and should have signed Fullkrug last summer.
During the Euros last month, Alan Shearer revealed ex Hammers boss David Moyes told him he regretted snubbing Steidten’s proposal to sign Fullkrug.
West Ham need a focal point up front and have done for some time.
Gianluca Scamacca was expected to provide that when he arrived for £35m from Sassuolo.
But things did not work out for the Italian like Sebastien Haller before him and Danny Ings after him.
Now it seems West Ham could be closing in on an experienced forward who knows where the net is.
Fullkrug scored 12 goals in 29 Bundesliga games for Dortmund last season.
Some fans will question the move given he turns 32 next season.
But as a late bloomer, perhaps West Ham can get a couple of top seasons out of the fearless forward who has been a fan favourite wherever he goes.
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