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West Ham United have pulled out of the race to sign Porto striker Moussa Marega, per ClaretandHugh.

What’s the word?

The Hammers have been heavily linked with a number of forwards already this summer.

Portuguese outlet Record, via Sport Witness, had claimed that Marega was likely to move to the east London club this summer.

But ClaretandHugh now report that the Hammers have turned their attention away from the 28-year-old, who scored 21 goals in all competitions in 2018-19 and would cost around £40million.

Indeed, the Irons are instead seeking a striker with Premier League experience.

Football FanCast understands that Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham is a major target, while the club have also scouted Salomon Rondon, who spent the campaign on loan at Newcastle United from West Brom.

A smart strategy

West Ham don’t need to take any risks in the summer transfer window.

Marega, of course, has no experience of top-tier English football and has only ever played in the top-flight in Portugal.

Any move for his signature would be a punt, and anyone that watched Porto's Champions League clash against Liverpool would not have been impressed by the clumsy front man.

With Mitrovic and Rondon both seemingly available, it makes sense for the Irons to focus on them instead.

They each have proven Premier League records – they both scored 11 goals in the top-flight last term – and both are more affordable than the Mali international.

It is a no-brainer, then, to call time on this pursuit.