West Ham will not turn to free agents to solve one of their long-standing issues, according to a very reliable source...

What's the word?

ExWHUemployee delivered a fresh verdict on whether Irons boss David Moyes would look to bring in a new striker for nothing in a bid to bolster his frontline.

Speaking on this week's episode of 'The West Ham Way' podcast, he claimed:

"A couple of people have asked me whether we’re going to sign a forward on a free transfer.

"I don’t think we will because I think [Jarrod] Bowen today [vs Manchester United] whilst it wasn’t the most accomplished of performances, it wasn’t a bad performance so I think he can possibly step in if needed.

"Interestingly [Mipo] Odubeko was on the bench again [for loan club Huddersfield Town] –  [he] hasn’t started."

A big risk

Clearly, if the reputable club insider is getting a lot of questions on the matter, it is something that the Hammers faithful are worrying about - and they have every right to be concerned.

Since the departure of club-record flop Sebastian Haller to Ajax last January, Moyes has been left with a lack of depth in the attacking department.

In fact, he has only been able to call upon Michail Antonio, 31, who has endured plenty of problems with injuries over the course of his east London career.

Over the last four full seasons, the Premier League's leading talisman has failed to start more than 24 top-flight matches, and that is largely down to his time on the treatment table.

At the weekend, West Ham were reminded of what it's like without him as he served a one-game suspension against Manchester United, which left winger Jarrod Bowen playing out of position.

Whilst any old free-agent isn't necessarily the solution, it would be wise to have someone that is there just in case something horribly unfortunate happens because if it does, the Irons will be in the mud.

There are plenty of strikers that are still without a club, ranging from ex-Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge to former West Ham dud Andy Carroll. Even Carlos Tevez is currently unattached, as per Transfermarkt.

Those around the London Stadium better hope that Antonio gets to January unscathed otherwise there could be a serious problem that hinders the progress they have made in 2021/22.

AND in other news, £60k-p/w West Ham beast who made 97% of passes was Moyes' one shining light vs United...