West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Genk striker Paul Onuachu, and the Nigerian could be the man to solve the Hammers' goalscoring woes.

What's the word?

According to French publication Jeunes Footeux, the Irons, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton are all keen on signing the 28-year-old, who has continued his fine form with Genk in the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the 6 foot 7 forward will likely cost around €25m (£22m) for any interested Premier League suitors this month, with the Nigerian forward having hit 15 goals in 18 games so far this term.

West Ham as a squad have managed just 15 goals in 18 league matches this season, with only Nottingham Forest and Wolves scoring fewer, so it seems clear that David Moyes needs attacking additions if he wants to distance his team from a relegation battle.

A new 'goal king'?

West Ham have long endured a striker 'curse', with marquee signings such as Sebastian Haller, Simone Zaza and Jonathan Callieri all failing to deliver the goods in recent years.

While Michail Antonio has stepped up in the past, it seems clear from his disappointing performances so far this season - with the Jamaican boasting just two goals in the Premier League - that he is no longer good enough to be starting every week in Moyes' side.

Summer signing Gianluca Scamacca also looks to be heading down the same route, as he has managed just three top-flight goals so far, with WhoScored awarding him a disappointing 6.54 rating for his performances.

Therefore, it seems clear that Moyes needs an effective main striker in his squad in the second half of the campaign, and Onuachu could be the ideal man, especially if he can translate his prolific form in Belgium to the Premier League.

Since signing for Genk in 2019 from FC Midtjylland, he has gone on to make 130 appearances, in which he has contributed a hugely impressive 83 goals and 10 assists.

The Nigeria international – dubbed a “phenomenon” by Genk CEO Erik Gerits – would arrive at the London Stadium in confident mood and would certainly be a threat to Premier League defences with his height and finishing ability.

Former professional footballer Josh Fashanu was full of praise for the forward after he scored for Nigeria in 2021, saying: “I want to tell Onuachu well done and a big congratulation because he has proved to everybody that he is still number one and indeed a goal king.”

Onuachu has consistently found the net in his spells in Belgium and Denmark and deserves a shot in the Premier League, for he could be a big difference-maker in Moyes' West Ham side in the second half of the campaign.