Niclas Fullkrug looks set to leave West Ham, leaving the Hammers extremely light in the number nine position moving forward.

Nuno Espirito Santo hasn’t been keen on utilising the German, but Fullkrug’s winter move to AC Milan still leaves a hole in the London Stadium squad.

There have been complaints over Callum Wilson’s lack of minutes at West Ham, so an alternative may prove to be a necessary addition.

A swoop for a star name likened to Watkins may prove to be wise after his years of superb service in a flourishing Aston Villa side.

West Ham interested in Artem Dovbyk signing

Artem Dovbyk has emerged as a target for West Ham as they look to solve their striker dilemma moving into the second half of the season.

The Hammers look set to be aided by Joshua Zirkzee’s seemingly impending move to Roma, something which would allow the Ukraine international to make a move of his own.

The 28-year-old has already come under the microscope of Everton and Sunderland ahead of the winter window, and now the Irons have thrown their hat in the ring.

That’s according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, who have suggested Dovbyk could be available for as little as £19.2million in the coming weeks.

The Roma forward has struggled for regular minutes in Serie A this season, but could prove to be a star for the Hammers moving forward.

Dovbyk profiles similarly to Ollie Watkins

There is no doubt that the claret and blue outfit are in desperate need of a new forward for the second half of the season.

Looking to replicate the output of a high-flying Premier League side like Villa may not be a bad idea, with Watkins acting as the firepower in that squad for many years.

Dovbyk, on paper, looks similar to the England international, with the Ukrainian thriving ahead of the former Brentford man in aerial duel wins, pass completion, shot-creating actions and expected assists.

Watkins does do better in certain areas like assists, progressive carries and non-penalty goals, but it is such a narrow difference.

The winter signing for West Ham could prove to be massive, especially if he can even come close to his 94 goal involvements across the last three campaigns.

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