West Ham United watch Ludovic Ajorque, player available for £18m – Kaveh Solhekol
West Ham sent scouts to watch Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque play against Liverpool on Sunday, according to Sky Sports.
The 6ft 6′ French attacker was named in the starting lineup at Anfield and got an assist as the Ligue 1 club earned a surprise 3-0 win on the day.
But according to Sky Sports reporter Kavel Solhekol, the Hammers were one of eight clubs taking a look at the striker who is available for around £18m this summer.
As well as West Ham Premier League clubs Wolves, Everton, Leicester, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle were also present to watch the 28-year-old.
Ajorque scored 12 goals in 36 games last season in Ligue 1, making it four consecutive seasons where he has reached double figures since joining the club.
Depth
Despite completing the signing of Gianluca Scamacca, West Ham continue to be linked with a move for a striker in this transfer window.
That suggests either a potential change of system on the pitch for the new season from David Moyes, or a change of position for Michail Antonio.
That would mean more depth is needed in the number nine position and Ajorque would be able to provide that, with his goal record and physical style something that the boss is sure to be a fan of.
With that said though, watching the player and making a bid are two very different things and it’s possible and likely that nothing will come of it in the immediate future and the club are just keeping their eyes open for talent.
£18m would be steep for a back up player considering the amount of signings the manager is said to still want as a priority, but it’s certainly one to keep an eye on as the window begins to wind down.