West Ham United are reportedly pursuing Krasnodar striker Fyodor Smolov.
West Ham United may have brought in one striker in January by landing Jordan Hugill from Preston North End, but another forward could be on the way this summer.
Andy Carroll’s injury problems, as well as Hugill’s lack of impact and Javier Hernandez’s lack of playing time under David Moyes, may just suggest that the Hammers are in the market for a new forward at the end of the season.
Recent reports from The Mirror suggested that West Ham are confident of securing a £15million swoop for Krasnodar striker Fyodor Smolov this summer, having swerved a January deal for the Russian.
Smolov, 28, has smashed 61 goals in 94 games for Krasnodar since his 2015 move from Dinamo Moscow, and with 12 goals in 30 caps for Russia, he is in line for a big World Cup.
West Ham may hope to secure his signature before the tournament, and they may have been given a small boost given a bust-up between Smolov and Krasnodar fans over the weekend.
As reported by Lenta in Russia, Smolov was jeered off by his own fans during the 1-1 draw with Anzhi Makhachkala, and even swore at his own supporters as he was substituted.
Smolov later suggested that he had been ill during the game and wasn’t at 100%, apologising for his behaviour – but it’s just another hint that all is not well for Smolov at Krasnodar, and may push him another step closer to the London Stadium.
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