GSB can land West Ham United a winter bargain by signing AFC Bournemouth forward Joshua King, who David Moyes has reportedly marked as his top January transfer target.

What’s the word?

According to ExWHUemployee, while speaking on The West Ham Way Podcast, Moyes has stressed the importance of the Irons signing forward reinforcements in the mid-season window.

The Hammers currently sit just four points behind the Champions League places but have not enjoyed a free-scoring offence, with Jarrod Bowen (3), Michail Antonio (3), Pablo Fornals (2) and Sebastien Haller (2) the only men to have struck home more than once.

Moyes believes King can help solve his side’s lack of firepower, having failed to see a deal for the Norway international cross the line this summer when Bournemouth rejected offers worth £13million as they held firm in demanding in excess of £17m.

West Ham are confident the Cherries will now accept a lower sum come January with King’s £45,000-per-week contract due to expire in the summer, yet are also weighing up Blackburn Rovers hitman Adam Armstrong following the 23-year-old’s 12 goals in 12 Championship appearances this term.

King, who former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe lauded as “the complete package”, is yet to get off the mark for goals or assists under new boss Jason Tindall, having seen his campaign blighted by a thigh problem.

Should West Ham sign King?

King would no doubt be determined to prove why West Ham were wrong to overlook his services in the summer should the east London outfit revive Moyes’ interest, having seen the Hammers favour Said Benrahma’s capture against the initial wishes of their manager.

And while the forward’s failure to net a single goal or pen an assist for Bournemouth this term would cause some concern, King’s top-flight record can calm any tension having netted 48 times in the Premier League – including against Chelsea and Manchester United last season before the Cherries’ relegation.

Tindall continues to back King to find his shooting boots, as well, telling the Daily Echo earlier this month: “Goals breed confidence for strikers and the longer they don’t come, the more anxious maybe they become. But I think when you are a quality player like Josh, it does tend to be a matter of time.”

Moyes remaining keen to work with King would also suggest the Scottish coach already has plans in place for how he best intends to utilise the 51-cap Norway international, potentially allowing for the 28-year-old to make an instant impact in claret and blue and suggesting the former Manchester United head coach adores the qualities that he would bring.

The deciding factor in whether or not West Ham opt to pursue King in January will be in the fee Bournemouth will demand, knowing the forward – who wishes to play as a No. 9 – will be a free agent in the summer.

AND in other news, West Ham must bite the bullet and get rid of a £40k-p/w “good character” facing an uncertain future.