West Ham United want Mama Balde and are turning to the Troyes forward as they struggle to secure a deal for Lorient striker Terem Moffi.
That’s according to French website Foot Mercato, who claim that West Ham are ‘hot’ on the subject of signing Balde.
West Ham’s top striker target has been Terem Moffi but they haven’t yet been able to secure a deal for the Lorient hitman.
The Hammers need alternatives as a result and one of them is thought to be Balde.
It’s stated that West Ham scouted Balde against Marseille and Lille ahead of potentially launching a bid.
The report adds that Balde is valued at around €15million (£13.3million) with West Ham now considering a bid this month.
West Ham target Mama Balde eerily similar to Michail Antonio
West Ham are in the market for a new striker because there appears to be a strong chance of Michail Antonio leaving the club.
Gianluca Scamacca needs support in the final third and Balde could be signed as Antonio’s replacement.
That’s interesting because Balde has some real parallels with Antonio.
The 27-year-old has found a home as a striker but was previously utilised in a couple of other positions.
Balde featured as a right wing back, right wing back and as a winger – just like Antonio was under Slaven Bilic.
Balde has now racked up eight goals and three assists in 17 games as a striker this season, growing into a quality striker.
That’s what Antonio did too, and Moyes may see some similar traits in Balde, who has been hailed as ‘really strong’ by teammate Tristan Dingome – another trait he shares with Antonio.
A Guinea-Bissau international, Balde is in the form of his life right now and could end up in the Premier League by the end of the month.
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