According to reports in The Sun on Sunday, West Ham United are interested in signing £15m-rated Fiorentina striker Khouma Babacar, but The Guardian reports that they face heavy competition for the Senegal international from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
What's the word, then?
Well, The Sun on Sunday says that Irons boss David Moyes has been alerted to the 24-year-old's availability, but while the Serie A outfit are looking for a £15m permanent move the east London outfit only want to bring him to the London Stadium on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The Sun on Sunday says that the Hammers may be looking for a new striker before the transfer window slams shut on January 31 with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Javier Hernandez all being linked with moves away.
The Guardian reports that West Ham could lose out to Palace though, with their neighbours from the capital seemingly willing to pay Fiorentina's asking price.
How has Babacar done this season?
He has done ok considering he is their back-up centre-forward.
The 24-year-old has scored four goals and provided a further assist in 15 Serie A appearances – all from the substitutes’ bench – and he is currently averaging a goal in the Italian top flight every 92 minutes.
According to WhoScored.com, the Senegalese striker's main strengths are his shots from range and his finishing.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
It's difficult to say.
His goal record for Fiorentina this season is certainly decent considering he hasn't started a match in Serie A, but you would have to question whether that fact itself means he isn't good enough to play every game for the start for the Irons in the Premier League.
They are still searching for that player that can score regularly throughout the season for them, and there is no guarantee that Boubacar would be the answer to their long-term issue.
A loan deal would be sensible in this case to see how the player adapts and the impact he has, but Crystal Palace are seemingly willing to take a risk on him.
Will they get him?
Everything is pointing to them not getting him right now, and Moyes will need to look elsewhere if he does lose any of his strikers before the end of the month.
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