West Ham 'interested' in loan deal for player Carlo Ancelotti called a 'proper striker'

West Ham are being linked with a young striker talent ahead of the January transfer window as Nuno Espirito Santo begins to lock in place some plans for his new squad. The Hammers have disappointed so far this season, with an awful start leading to the sacking of Graham Potter.

Santo was chosen as his replacement, and one draw and one defeat has followed, but most West Ham fans would have taken a point from a tricky away clashes with Everton and Arsenal.

With a run of more attractive fixtures ahead of them on the other side of the internatonal break, it will be interesting to see how West Ham look under Santo, especially now that they have had a few weeks working with the new boss.

As for Santo, he will likely already have an idea of who he wants and doesn’t want going forward, although there are not ikely to be major changes to the squad in January, with a couple of additions likely.

One position that requires an addition is the striker position, with Niclas Fullkrug having struggled with injury during his time at the club, while summer signing Callum Wilson looks to have lost a step.

Fullkrug and Wilson could yet come good, but Santo may well want another player who can challenge and offer something a little different. Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid prodigy Endrick could fit the bill.

Sport have reported that the Hammers are interesting in signing the 19-year-old on loan for the second half of the season amid a lack of appearances from the Brazilian so far this season. Endrick arrived at Real Madrid last year after a pre-agreed deal with Palmeiras, where he scored 18 goals in 66 league appearances as a young teenager.

He made 22 league appearances for Real Madrid in his debut campaign, scoring once, but he started this season with injury issues. New boss Xabi Alonso has not been convinced yet, not giving the striker any minutes since his return in September.

Clubs are now said to be circling over a possible loan deal, and West Ham are reportedly among them.

Ancelotti praise

Speaking last season, Carlo Ancelotti backed Endrick for big things after welcoming him into his team. He said: “Endrick looks really promising, with huge potential.

“In that goal, he showed all his qualities—he's fast, has great control, and packs a powerful shot. That's his thing. He's a proper striker, especially dangerous in tight spaces.”

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