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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

West Ham United have made a loan move for Lyon striker Bertrand Traore, per TeamTalk.

What’s the word?

The Hammers are said to have entered into discussions with the French club over the former Chelsea forward, who can play on the wing and through the middle.

West Ham have already signed Pablo Fornals and Sebastian Haller this summer and, as such, any deal for Traore would have to be a loan.

TeamTalk reports that the Ligue 1 outfit are unlikely to sanction the deal, however, though the Hammers could use another forward, with Manuel Pellegrini only currently able to call on Haller and Javier Hernandez.

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A Hugill replacement

Jordan Hugill left the club over the weekend to join QPR on loan.

Of course, the former Preston North End striker has made next to no impact in east London but he did add depth to Pellegrini’s squad.

Following his departure, the Hammers are back to the point where they have just two out-and-out forwards.

Of course, Michail Antonio can play up front but he is more known as a winger, and a move for Traore would solve the issue.

The ex-Chelsea forward scored 11 goals last season and, while he would not necessarily be an instant starter, he has pace to burn and would be a dynamic acquisition.

He is another versatile option - he has played more games as a right winger than as a centre forward in his career - but has netted 68 goals in 202 appearances throughout his career.

Hugill, by comparison, has scored 51 in 204 outings.

Traore, then, certainly has the ability to lighten the load on Haller and Hernandez and add some genuine electricity to the club's front line.

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