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West Ham United should make an attempt to sign Barcelona forward Munir El Haddadi on loan during the January transfer window.

What's the word, then?

West Ham spent big in the summer, and despite an inconsistent start to the season, there is no question that the Hammers have shown signs of encouragement.

Andriy Yarmolenko was one of those who had just started to put together a good run of form, but the 28-year-old - a £17.5m arrival from Borussia Dortmund - picked up an Achilles injury against Tottenham Hotspur on October 20.

Yarmolenko is expected to be out of action for the next six months, and that might well force West Ham into the loan market at the start of 2019.

A number of players have been linked with moves to the London Stadium, but West Ham should consider an approach for Barcelona forward Munir.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Munir is close to signing a new long-term deal at Camp Nou, but he should be available on loan in January.

Why would Munir make a difference?

Munir made his first-team debut for Barcelona during the 2014-15 campaign, and has managed 11 goals and 10 assists in his 50 appearances for the Catalan giants.

The attacker has spent the last two seasons on loan with Valencia and Alaves, but stayed at Camp Nou during the recent window, and has made five appearances for the club this season.

Munir showed last season at Alaves that he is capable of producing on a consistent basis, having found the back of the net on 14 occasions in 37 appearances.

At 23, Munir is at the stage of his career where he will want to be playing regular football, and he is completely different to the options that West Ham currently have available.

It would be a relatively low-cost deal if terms could be agreed, and versatile Munir - a Champions League winner with Barcelona - is certainly capable of playing a key role at the London Stadium.