West Ham are still yet to sign a striker with the clock counting down towards the end of the transfer window.
The Hammers are in desperate need for a striker to help share the goalscoring burden with Michail Antonio and provide more squad depth however time is running out after seeing offers for many players rejected.
There seems to be few options left for David Moyes but fortunately one deal could look likely.
West Ham have seen multiple bids for striker declined this month but a deal for Marseille’s Bamba Dieng could still happen.
As previously reported on our site, Moyes alongside new Head of Recruitment, Rob Newman, are closely scouting Ligue 1 with plenty of players taking their fancy.
As strikers go in France, West Ham have seen bids rejected for Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Bayo. There remains hope though via Marseille forward Bamba Dieng.
West Ham have spoken to his agent and there is belief an £8 million fee could be agreed. However, Moyes may prefer a loan deal with an option to buy – Marseille would be open to this.
The Senegalese striker is currently away on international duty at the AFCON and he scored in his country’s last game. For Marseille this season, Dieng has scored four league goals in 14 appearances, notably some as a late substitute.
At just 5ft 8in he wouldn’t be able to hold the ball up like Antonio but his strength is his pace and quick bursts of acceleration, like Jarrod Bowen when he plays at centre-forward. Additionally, he takes a lot of efforts at goal and has incredible shot power although having played a limited amount of time, he is something of an unknown and Dieng would be a ‘punt signing’.
The 21-year-old has been dubbed the ‘new Didier Drogba’ by some although with him also being comfortable playing on the left-wing, his compatriot, Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, may more similar.
Interestingly, Crystal Palace are also keen on him and their manager, Patrick Vieira, founded FC Diambars in Senegal, the club Dieng started his career with.
West Ham could raid Marseille this month with deals for centre-back Duje Caleta-Car and highly rated versatile player Boubacar Kamara also being possibilities.
Despite the majority of fans’ concerns, there remains a chance West Ham don’t sign a striker! This could be a huge mistake as the Irons want to challenge in all competitions and build on the successes of the first half of the season. At the moment, Dieng is looking like the most likely option when it comes to strikers.