West Ham ‘track’ imposing French striker Ludovic Ajorque amid impressive Ligue 1 form
West Ham are said to be watching an imposing Ligue 1 striker who has been in great form of late.
David Moyes needs a new centre-forward to replace Jamaican international Michail Antonio. The Hammers favorite has scored eight goals and five assists in 20 Premier League appearances this season.
He has only missed one league game, September’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United. However, Antonio regularly struggles with hamstring issues and they could resurface if a new player isn’t found.
West Ham are chasing Bayer Leverkusen and Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick. But the Euro 2020 star recently put an end to such rumors.
“Of course it’s nice to read when you’re linked with the big clubs,” Schick said. “But I’m really, really happy at Leverkusen and I want to go to the Champions League with Bayer 04. I love living in Germany.
“I don’t think about other clubs at all. Everyone knows my contractual situation. And I would never cause problems for a club and I wouldn’t force a transfer.
These comments have forced the club’s scouts to look elsewhere, and they may have found their man.
Hammers head to Ligue 1 in pursuit of striker
Sports witness, citing a French source Mercato on foot, indicate that the east London outfit is “following” French hitman Ludovic Ajorque. The 27-year-old, who represents Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, has been dangerous in front of goal this season.
He has a record 10 goals in 18 appearances, plus six assists. That includes five strikes in their last four outings, helping Strasbourg to eighth place.
Ajorque is 6ft 4in and causes all sorts of problems for opposing defenders. He would certainly provide Moyes with a different dynamic than Antonio, should the move go ahead.
However, West Ham may have to make a big offer to land Ajorque this month. Strasbourg are unwilling to sell as the player is key to their plans for the season.
A deal is more likely in the summer, with the Irons waiting to find out his price. transfer market values Ajorque at £13.5million, while his contract runs until 2024.
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West Ham star in the running for contract extension
During this time, The sun claim that West Ham want offer a new contract to goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
The 36-year-old will become a free agent on July 1 unless the Premier League side act. They are apparently considering putting a one-year extension on the table.
Club chiefs expected loanee Alphonse Areola to usurp Fabianski this season. But that hasn’t been the case with the Pole being firmly in favor of Moyes.
West Ham have a succession plan, however. They want to sign Sam Johnstone from West Brom before making him number one in the next few years.
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