West Ham to ‘get another striker’ with ‘wonderful’ Jamie Vardy signing on cards
Jamie Vardy has been named as a potential signing for West Ham United ahead of the summer transfer window.
West Ham are certain to address the centre-forward position at the end of the season, as Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio and Danny Ings have only netted five goals between them so far.
Meanwhile, winter signing Evan Ferguson has found playing time hard to come by at the London Stadium and is likely to return to Brighton when his loan deal expires.
With Antonio and Ings’ contracts running out, Fullkrug may be the only remaining senior striker at Graham Potter’s disposal at the start of next season, unless there are new signings.
West Ham told to sign Vardy
West Ham may have the opportunity to sign a proven Premier League striker in the shape of Vardy, with Leicester destined to drop down to the Championship.
Assessing Vardy’s future, Troy Deeney explained that the veteran will not be short of options this summer and would be a great addition for the Irons.
The talkSPORT pundit added that the Hammers players would enjoy teaming up with Vardy, as opposed to playing against him.
“Jamie [Vardy] is in a wonderful position because there are not many number 9s in world football, never mind in the Premier League”, Deeney said on talkSPORT (7 April).
“So, I could see him doing well at Everton, at West Ham.
“Jamie is one of those players as well, and one of those people, that when you play against him, you hate him, but if he is on your team, you’d love him because he does all the horrible things.
| Matches | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Shots per Game | Pass Succes % |
| 28 | 28 | 2282′ | 7 | 3 | 5 | 1.7 | 69 |
Deeney is also of the view that Vardy would be a “fantastic” option for West Ham as a second or third-choice centre-forward.
“Let’s just use West Ham as a case study. They have got Fullkrug, they are probably going to try and get another striker”, he added.
“Jamie Vardy as a third option or second option is fantastic because you know, as the season goes on, there’s going to be rotation, there’s going to be injuries.
“So, I think he’d be a great option for a lot of teams. He’s won the Premier League, played in Europe, played for England.
“That’s a wonderful acquisition to add to your squad.
“For me, Jamie, he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing up. While he’s still got that pace, he’s an excellent buy for anybody.”
Vardy would be excellent under Potter
Like Antonio and Ings, Vardy also has an expiring contract at Leicester, meaning he would be available on a free transfer this summer.
Despite being 38 years of age, the England international would be a valuable addition for West Ham, especially as a second or third-choice striker, as Deeney said.
The fact that Vardy has contributed towards 10 goals for a team destined for relegation, even at that age, shows he is still capable of playing at the highest level.
Therefore, West Ham cannot be faulted if they made a move to sign the veteran on a free transfer, although they would still need another first-choice striker.