West Ham are considering a surprise late move for Christian Benteke as David Moyes looks to sign a new striker before the January transfer window closes, according to a report from The Sun on Sunday (30/1; page 62).
The Hammers remain on the lookout for a new goalscorer. They are yet to find competition and cover for Michail Antonio with the deadline looming.
They have been linked with some huge bids at the end of the window. Both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips have attracted £50 million offers from West Ham.
Further forward however, the Irons appear to be open to taking a bit of a gamble. The Sun on Sunday (30/1; page 62) reports that they are keen on Benteke.
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The report notes that Palace could let the Belgian leave for £10 million. Benteke meanwhile, would be open to joining West Ham. He reportedly rejected Burnley this month due to his desire to remain in the capital.
Benteke not an exciting target for West Ham – but striker cannot be written off either
Benteke is not a signing that would capture the imagination of West Ham fans by any means. He has had a really mixed time at Selhurst Park. And he has only scored four goals in the Premier League this season.
And for some, spending £10 million would be a big mistake given some of the names linked with the London Stadium this month.
Having said that, it would also be impossible to write Benteke off if he did join West Ham. The Hammers do not need a first-choice striker right now.
And Benteke has had success in the top-flight. He has reached double figures in five different campaigns since joining Aston Villa.
Patrick Vieira previously suggested that he was ‘one of the best‘ strikers in the league in the air.
And given the impact Moyes has had on some of the players in the West Ham squad, there is a possibility that signing Benteke would prove inspired – even if the supporters would much prefer another name on the wishlist.
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