West Ham should consider a move for Villarreal's Bakambu

West Ham United’s search for a striker is ongoing and Villarreal’s Cedric Bakambu would be a wise signing.

Liverpool's Dejan Lovren in action with Villarreal's Cedric Bakambu as manager Juergen Klopp looks on Cedric Bakambu impressed in his first season in La Liga with Villarreal last term

West Ham United’s extremely frustrating pursuit of a new striker has so far proved to be fruitless, with failed moves for Alexandre Lacazette and Carlos Bacca among some of the disappointments.

The Hammers now face a crucial three-week period before the new season kicks off and must ensure they bring in someone in the forward area to compete with Andy Carroll.

A fantastic option for West Ham, and a rather cheaper one than some of their other targets, would be Villarreal’s Congolese star Cedric Bakambu.

Liverpool's Kolo Toure in action with Villarreal's Cedric Bakambu Kolo Toure in action against Cedric Bakambu

The 6ft target man is not only a great focal point to build attacks around, but he also possesses plenty of pace. He is 25 and is approaching the prime years of his career, although he is still quite raw. That said, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is exactly the kind of manager who could help Bakambu reach his potential.

Should a move come to fruition, it would not be one entirely without risk, however. Bakambu has never played in English football, and there is no guarantee that someone coming to the league from abroad will succeed, no matter how good they are.

The crucial factor when bringing in foreign imports is identifying players with the necessary attributes required to succeed in the Premier League, which is something West Ham have excelled in recently.

West Ham co chairman David Sullivan West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan is determined to bring in a striker this summer