West Ham United make approach to sign Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy as new exit stance emerges

West Ham United have approached cash-strapped Besiktas to sign teenage striker Semih Kilicsoy, according to Turkish-Football.com.

The Turkish news outlet shared on 16 January that the Hammers have become the latest side to join the race for the 18-year-old and have made an enquiry for his services but have yet to make a formal offer.

It is believed Besiktas are keen on keeping the forward this month but will consider serious offers this summer due to their current financial struggles.

Kilicsoy has emerged as a hot prospect in Turkish football having gone on a recent hot streak of four goals in three senior appearances and is already garnering whispers of a potential call-up to the Turkish international scene ahead of Euro 2024.

Great talent

It's always refreshing seeing West Ham United being linked with some of the hottest teenage talents in European football but its frustrating when they don't take the risk in making a move.

Kilicsoy has emerged as one of the brightest and most gifted teenagers to burst onto the scene in Turkey and has already registered five goals and two assists from eight Turkish Super Lig games this season. He's scored all five of them in his last four outings.

West Ham aren't the most spoilt-for-choice up front with Michail Antonio and Danny Ings both struggling for fitness and form throughout the campaign which has meant David Moyes is forced to deploy Jarrod Bowen as his number nine, to great effect.

However, if the Hammers are to match it with the elite they need a consistent goalscorer and while Kilicsoy isn't the immediate answer he is a profile that West Ham United could nurture and develop into a world-beater.

It remains to be seen whether the Hammers will be as active in the market this month but the striker position must be addressed this summer with Antonio and Ings both likely to depart.

Getting in a consistent goalscorer coupled with a burgeoning sensation could go a long way in pleasing the West Ham United faithful and Kilicsoy is certainly an attractive proposition right now given his tremendous hot streak this season.

In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano backs Hammers to join race for international midfielder this month.