Dom Ballard stance revealed as West Ham eye Leyton Orient star

Dom Ballard has attracted interest from West Ham United ahead of the summer transfer window.

And for good reason, too. The 21-year-old managed 23 goals for Leyton Orient last season, while also grabbing four league assists.

But what makes his campaign even more impressive was the fact that Orient finished 20th in League One, just three points above the drop zone.

Those numbers are what have seemingly caught the attention of the Hammers, who will be in the market for at least one new striker in the transfer window.

Taty Castellanos' future will determine if they need another, with links to Fulham over the last few weeks.

However, if there is to be just one striker arrival, it could prove to be Ballard.

What is Dom Ballard's stance on West Ham move?

The chance to move from League One to the Championship will be appealing in itself, but to join a side expected to achieve promotion will only amplify that.

And according to the Daily Mail, that is what Ballard has his sights set on.

The former Southampton youth prospect also has interest from Werder Bremen in Germany, but the prospect of a move to the London Stadium is said to be "particularly appealing".

Southampton hold a sell-on clause for any future sale, meaning that they could be in line to profit from the striker who only departed the club last summer.

What stands out about Ballard's game?

West Ham need a goalscorer, and Ballard may be the perfect profile for that.

His 23 league goals came from just 19.30 xG, showcasing his ability to turn a half-chance into a genuine goalscoring opportunity.

Only 15.6 per cent of League One strikers averaged more touches in the penalty area per 90 minutes last season, again demonstrating his ability to get into the right areas.

He averaged 5.46 per game, which was only marginally less than Callum Wilson achieved for the Irons in the Premier League.

West Ham may see it as a potential risky transfer if they go through with it, but it may be a risk worth taking given his record, if the finances are right.