West Ham have endured a difficult season in front of goal, with strikers struggling to make an impact.
While midfielder Lucas Paquetá and star man Jarrod Bowen have each scored three times, the club’s out-and-out forwards have largely misfired.
Callum Wilson has netted just once, and Niclas Fullkrug is yet to open his account. With Michail Antonio now gone, Nuno Espírito Santo faces limited attacking options, making the January transfer window a priority for reinforcements.
One name now emerging in reports from Spain is Endrick, the highly-rated 19-year-old striker at Real Madrid.
And while he may seem an audacious target for a struggling club like West Ham, one transfer expert things otherwise.
West Ham In Race for Endrick
Real Madrid's Endrick and Antonio Rudiger. (REUTERS/Borja Suarez)
Real Madrid’s Endrick and Antonio Rudiger. (REUTERS/Borja Suarez)
Described as “spectacular” by former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, Endrick is yet to make a competitive appearance under new boss Xabi Alonso, despite being handed the famous number nine shirt at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Amid his lack of game time, West Ham are said to have made contract with Madrid about a potential deal for the youngster.
And now, speaking to Hammers News, chief football correspondent Graeme Bailey, has said that the Hammers landing the Brazilian is not out of the question.
“West Ham have tried to sign Endrick on more than one occasion. They were at the head of the queue in January for instance, had he moved on loan,” he revealed. “They even asked when he originally arrived in Madrid, in case he was allowed to go.”
Bailey added that Endrick “was open to the possibility” of joining West Ham earlier in the year, and given his current circumstances, still could be.
“It was always about creating his chance at Madrid,” he said. “The fact it still hasn’t worked out, then, I am told West Ham still would like to take him. And if he is allowed out, West Ham honestly can’t be discounted.”
Despite still being a raw talent, Endrick has already been capped 14 times by Brazil at senior level, showing why he remains such an attractive option for a club in desperate need of firepower.