West Ham United have tabled a third bid worth £12m for Brentford striker Scott Hogan, according to Sky Sports.

What's the latest?

The Hammers have been pursuing the 24-year-old for some time as they attempt to boost their attacking options for the second half of the season.

Sky Sports claim that West Ham had an offer of £10m rejected last week, and now they have upped that figure, but remain short of the Bees’ £15m valuation.

It is believed that Hogan, who signed for Brentford from Rochdale for £750,000 in 2014, is open to joining a Premier League club this month.

Surprise Bundesliga contenders RB Leipzig have also been named as a potential suitor for the striker.

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Is Hogan the right man for West Ham?

The Englishman may not be the most glamorous of signings, but he has all the attributes that West Ham are in desperate need of this season.

Slaven Bilic’s side have managed just 23 league goals in 20 matches. Only Burnley, Southampton, Sunderland, Hull City and Middlesbrough have scored fewer this season so far.

Hogan has netted 14 times in 26 appearances, and while he may be more accustomed to the lower divisions, the forward has experience in English football and could settle in quickly.

West Ham need a forward that can hit the ground running as the club try to climb up from 13th in the top-flight standings.

In normal circumstances, £12m to £15m may be quite a stretch for Championship talent, but in today’s market when clubs regularly overpay for players, the fee could end up being a steal if Hogan thrives in front of goal.

It appears as though West Ham have no chance of signing Jermain Defoe, with Sunderland refusing to budge, so a deal for Hogan is arguably their best option.

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