West Ham are running out of options in their bid to sign a new striker but now have one in reserve after he snubbed Everton.
It is probably quicker to list the strikers West Ham haven’t been linked with in the January transfer window than those who have.
The problem is West Ham’s Premier League rivals, such as Everton and a host others, are desperate for one too.
Former Hammers boss David Moyes has even admitted as much – especially in light of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s latest injury.
West Ham have been hit by a series of injuries to forward players both before and since Graham Potter’s appointment earlier this month.
Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug are out long-term.
Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville have also been missing – although both are on their way back.
West Ham and Everton were both looking to sign a striker before they suffered their fresh injury problems.
West Ham and Everton desperate to sign a striker
With the likes of Spurs, Forest, Arsenal and many more clubs across Europe looking for forwards, the January market is both competitive and deadlocked.
It has also put West Ham and Everton on a collision course for one particular target.
And it looked like advantage Toffees heading into the last six days of the window.
West Ham have also been trying to fend off Everton and Tottenham for striker Brian Brobbey.
In a big blow to Moyes and Everton, West Ham looked set to clinch a deal for the powerful Dutch forward when he flew to London for talks on Friday night.
Especially when it emerged that Spurs and Roma had pulled out of the running for Brobbey.
Negotiations became protracted between the Hammers and Ajax, though.
West Ham admitted they were not convinced Brobbey could cut it in the Premier League.
As a result they only want an option to buy on their loan deal while the Dutch club want it to be a loan with obligation or permanent move.
Brobbey returned to Holland and has been training with Ajax since, leaving the door wide open for Everton.
But West Ham’s emergency striker signing becomes clear as the star snubs Everton.
West Ham’s emergency striker signing clear as star snubs Everton
Since cooling talks for Brobbey, the Irons have been heavily linked with Evan Ferguson again.
It was reported that having Potter as manager made West Ham favourites to sign the Irishman.
West Ham revealed they face a big problem signing Ferguson last night.
With a lack of options elsewhere and time running out, Hammers fans have been reacting angrily.
But it seems Brobbey is being kept on the back burner as a last gasp option by West Ham after he flat out turned down Everton.
That’s according to De Telegraaf reporter Mike Verweij.
The Dutch journalist claims Brobbey is still looking to leave Ajax by Monday’s deadline.
But he revealed Brobbey is not keen on joining Moyes’ side in this window because Everton “don’t appeal to him”.
Hammers will try five-start clause for Brobbey claims journalist
Verweij has also claimed that West Ham plan to meet Ajax halfway with a late offer if they don’t sign another striker.
In a move similar to that negotiated for Jean-Clair Todibo – West Ham have told Ajax they will sign Brobbey permanently if he starts five games from the remaining 14 – or 15 depending if he arrives before Chelsea – Verweij claims.
While Everton appear to be completely out of the equation, West Ham have been warned that if it comes down to a battle between them and Spurs for his signature, he will choose north London.
Brobbey has been dividing opinion among fans and Ajax legends.
Frank de Boer ripped into West Ham’s move for Brobbey, questioning the striker’s ability to cut it in the Premier League.
But Rafael van der Vaart disagrees backing Brobbey to be a sensation for the Hammers if they do elect to sign him before Monday night’s deadline.
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