West Ham face a potentially make-or-break January transfer window as Nuno Espírito Santo desperately seeks reinforcements to steer his struggling side out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Their last defeat against Fulham at home was very painful for Nuno to bear, given that West Ham played well for long periods but left the London Stadium with nothing to show.
With January fast approaching, the Irons must take advantage with a drop to the championship looking more and more likely.
The Athletic reports that West Ham have begun exploring the possibility of signing Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen next month as the club steps up its search for attacking reinforcements.
The Hammers are weighing up a possible permanent move for the 25-year-old following the departure of Niclas Füllkrug to AC Milan, with the German sealing an initial loan spell at San Siro.
Nuno is keen to identify alternative striking options who can offer reliability and consistency in front of goal throughout the crucial second half of the campaign, and West Ham’s need for a new centre-forward has become increasingly clear following their struggles to convert chances into goals.
Discussions over Strand Larsen are still at an early exploratory stage and no formal approach has yet been made regarding Wolve, with West Ham’s interest described as exploratory rather than advanced at this stage.
Wolves, meanwhile, are under no immediate pressure to sell the Norwegian despite their own relegation struggles and are expected to demand a fee of £45m.
‘It could happen’ – Player admits he could join West Ham as agent works on transfer
He made a confession in January.
The Midlands club rejected offers from Newcastle in the summer before securing Strand Larsen on a new five-year deal with a 12-month extension option.
Defense is also a major concern for Nuno after a run of dismal defensive performances which has seen West Ham keep just one clean sheet throughout the Premier League season so far.
Only bottom-placed Wolves performed worse than the Hammers in goals conceded, highlighting the desperate need for reinforcements at the back.
Reliable club insider ExWHUemployee claims that Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell is a top target in this regard, and the England Under-21 starlet is keen to join the club.
Now, The Athletic has shared its own update.
West Ham in talks with Charlie Cresswell’s representatives ahead of January
According to the outlet, West Ham have made Cresswell a priority target for the January window after failing to secure his services in the summer when they were reportedly close to agreeing a deal.
West Ham explored a solution for the 23-year-old at the end of the previous window, but ultimately signed Igor Julio on loan from Brighton, who made just four Premier League appearances for them.
Cresswell has enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Toulouse, establishing himself as an indispensable figure at the heart of their defence, with the former Leeds United player starting all sixteen Ligue 1 matches and playing every minute of their season so far.
The Athletic report that Toulouse are seeking a fee of around £20 million to part ways with Cresswell, and West Ham are in regular discussions with his camp.
The Englishman has even contributed three goals in central defense this season, demonstrating his threat from set pieces as well as his defensive solidity at the back.
Toulouse currently sit eighth in the Ligue 1 table with 23 points from 17 matches, having lost just once in their last seven games, and Cresswell has been at the very heart of it all.
Standing over six feet tall, Cresswell offers an imposing physical presence, winning an impressive 3.91 aerial duels per 90 minutes, placing him in the 97th percentile in Europe’s top five leagues.
The arrival of the “top class” defender – as hailed by Daniel Farke – could remedy West Ham’s shocking record when defending set-pieces this season, and for £20m he could be a bargain.
West Ham offered 2024 La Liga top scorer as club tells him to find new club in January
The Irons have a potentially interesting opportunity.
