West Ham United have been heavily linked with Memphis Depay recently and the Dutch attacker could prove to be David Moyes' own version of Manchester City star Phil Foden at the London Stadium.

The Guardian claimed earlier this month that West Ham are interested in the Barcelona man, as the Camp Nou outfit continues to struggle economically after years of financial mismanagement.

The 28-year-old reportedly earns £172k-per-week with the Catalan club which could open the door to a January exit for a bargain fee, as they will no doubt look to cash in on the former Lyon star ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the current campaign.

While his wages certainly wouldn't come cheap, his transfer fee would surely be minimal if the Hammers did opt to make a move next month and considering their current standing in the Premier League, attacking additions in January look like a must.

Only Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves have scored fewer goals in the top flight than Moyes' side so far this campaign, with Michail Antonio looking past his best and Gianluca Scamacca flattering to deceive since his big-money summer switch.

Despite Depay clearly being surplus to requirements at Barcelona this season, with just two appearances to his name, his form with the Netherlands emphasises that he is still a top player on his day, as he managed three goals and one assist for Louis van Gaal's side in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.

Patrick Vieira was full of praise for the versatile attacker in 2021 when appearing as a pundit on ITV.

He said (via Manchester Evening News): "I saw him play with Lyon and he is a terrific talent. He can make things happen - he can score or create."

According to FBref, the sixth-most similar player to Depay when compared to other attackers across Europe's top leagues is Manchester City sensation, Phil Foden.

If we compare their stats from last season, they recorded extremely similar numbers with regard to non-penalty goals per 90 (0.39 vs 0.38), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.49 vs 0.55) and crosses completed (both nine).

WhoScored also suggests that both Depay and Foden excel at passing, dribbling, key passes, finishing, crossing, through balls and holding onto the ball, so they are clearly very similar types of players who both have experience in possession-hungry sides.

Considering how impressive the Englishman has been for club and country so far this campaign, hitting nine goals and five assists in all competitions, West Ham would surely be foolish to turn down any opportunity to sign Depay next month.