West Ham in transfer switch-up after bid submitted – Dharmesh Sheth

West Ham United are now going to focus on “alternative options” after their bid for PSV striker Ricardo Pepi was rejected, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

The Sky Sports journalist reported via his personal X account (30 January) that after their initial £20.9million bid was rejected, they aren’t planning on making any further bids for the American.

The report also adds that Brighton’s Evan Ferguson also remains a “primary” target for the Hammers before the 3 February deadline.

“West Ham United to focus on alternative options after seeing €25m bid rejected by PSV Eindhoven for USA international striker Ricardo Pepi (first called by Fabrizio Romano)… Brighton’s Evan Ferguson remains a primary target,” Sheth wrote.

West Ham need to find themselves a striker before 3 February deadline

At the moment, the main area that Graham Potter needs to strengthen in his squad is that of striker.

Both Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio are ruled out due to injury for extended periods which leaves Danny Ings as their only natural striker.

And, looking at the recent form he’s been in over the last couple of seasons, it’s hard to see how the Englishman will be enough to help West Ham avoid getting dragged into the relegation battle.

Indeed, Potter has chosen to play the likes of Lucas Paqueta in the number nine role since his arrival and while he put on a masterclass of a display, if any more injuries come their way, it feels like they’ll be back to square one.

The thought of the Hammers not bringing in a striker in winter should be something that’s unfathomable for Potter and David Sullivan but only time will tell whether they have enough time to find yet another new target to bring in.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers could be set to lose another senior behind-the-scenes figure after Tim Steidten.

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