Double development puts West Ham favourites to land ex-Man Utd target

West Ham could yet add a proven Premier League forward to their ranks after a double development put the club in pole position to land a Championship marksman, claims a report.

The Hammers rebounded well after a slow start to the new campaign to set nerves at ease with a pair of heavy victories over Wolves and Leicester.

The sparkling form of Michail Antonio has continued into the new season, while Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals’ all-action displays have made the club a genuine threat in the final third.

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Despite this, however, strength in depth is relatively light following the controversial sale of Grady Diangana and Felipe Anderson’s recent loan departure to FC Porto.

One solution could be just around the corner according to FootballInsider, who claim that West Ham are fronting the queue to bring Bournemouth forward Josh King on board.

Despite the European transfer window slamming shut earlier this week, the deadline for signing players in deals conducted between Premier League and EFL clubs remains open until October 16.

King had emerged as a shock target for former club Man Utd in the winter window, and most recently was linked with a switch to West Brom.

The report claims the door has been left ajar for David Moyes’ side to swoop, with two recent developments critical to their hopes.

Firstly, Bournemouth have reportedly slashed their asking price ‘by half from £20million to £10m.’ Secondly, the player himself has ‘made it clear’ he has no interest in a move to The Baggies.

King is described as being ‘very likely’ to leave before October 16 as The Cherries’ squad continues to experience change following their relegation from the top flight.

Bournemouth have made an unbeaten start to their Championship campaign, with King a peripheral figure having only been afforded 23 minutes of league action thus far.