West Ham linked with transfer swoop for eight-goal striker - €15million price tag mentioned

West Ham are reportedly keen on Troyes attacker Mama Balde. The Hammers are being linked with a new name in this January transfer window.

According to Foot Mercato, the 27-year-old has ‘caught the eye’ of the Premier League side this season. The report suggests he has a price tag of €15million.

West Ham have slipped into the relegation zone and could do with some attacking reinforcements this winter to boost their chances of climbing up the table. David Moyes’ side are believed to be after FC Lorient’s Terem Moffi and are now said to be interested in another Ligue 1 hotshot.

Balde, 27, is Troyes’ top scorer so far this term and has fired in eight goals in 17 appearances, as well as chipping in with four assists. His contract with the French club expires in June 2025.

Prior to his move there, the Guinea-Bissau international started his senior career in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon. He then had loan spells at Sport Benfica e Castelo Branco and Aves before a two-year permanent stint at Dijon, where he scored 13 times in 53 outings.

West Ham need more firepower in attack and Balde is someone who is in form at the moment over in France. There would be question marks as to how quickly he could adapt to life in England, but as with most deals done halfway through a campaign, there is always an element of risk.

In other news, youngster Pierre Ekwah is expected to join Sunderland on loan, as per reporter Alan Nixon. The midfielder joined the Hammers from Chelsea in 2021.