West Ham United could end their long search for a new striker in 2022, if emerging reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

According to The Sun, the Irons are lining up a £10m move for Clermont Foot 63 forward Mohamed Bayo as David Moyes looks to finally add competition alongside Michail Antonio.

It's thought that the 23-year-old talisman has been left unsettled by failed bids during the summer transfer window, in which Ligue 1 rivals Bordeaux saw a £7m bid rejected.

The Hammers certainly need further reinforcements up top and that's something the 58-year-old has recently spoken about. "We would have liked to have brought in someone who could directly replace Mich during the window. [Someone] Who could possibly help him out but we just could not find anyone."

Bargain swoop

During the summer, some reports from France suggested that West Ham had an interest in Bayo but evidently, no bid came forward. It's time to make that right at the next available opportunity.

The Guinean centre-forward came through the system at Les Lanciers and after a successful loan spell at Dunkerque, he soon established himself in Pascal Gastien's side.

Last season, he bagged 22 goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances on their way to promotion from Ligue 2. He averaged a direct contribution every 106 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

Bayo has continued his prolific form into the new season, where he has delivered three goals and two assists from just five league starts, also showing that his ability is capable of stepping up onto the next level.

In recent times, the Clermont sensation has been described as a "powerful" and "pacey" striker, as well as a "sharpshooter in front of goal".

Whilst football scout Jacek Kulig believes he's "indispensable" to the French outfit and has also previously claimed that Bayo is "extremely interesting."

Given Antonio's botched injury record over the years and the desperate need for rotation across multiple domestic and European competitions, it would make sense for West Ham to finally land a new forward.

For just £10m, Moyes and co would be foolish to not consider Bayo, given his natural goalscoring flair and eye for goal. It could turn out to be a very low-risk bargain, so a move must be made when the window reopens in January.

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