West Ham have been left with a major shortage of forwards, and could now go into the market to raid one of their Premier League rivals for a versatile striker in January.
West Ham short of strikers ahead of Brentford visit
With the slightly later slot of Monday night, the Hammers have some extra time to prepare ahead of Brentford's visit to the London Stadium for a clash that could be pivotal during Nuno Espirito Santo's early reign in charge.
Niclas Fullkrug is out with a torn thigh and is expected to be out for the foreseeable future, and the Portuguese boss has now hinted that youngster Callum Marshall may be set for a start as he vies with Callum Wilson for a place in the side.
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"Niclas Fullkrug just had a scan and we are waiting on the results," Nuno said pre-Brentford.
"It all depends on the scan. Hopefully it is soon. Apart from that, it is just George (Earthy) who is out."
Later, he expanded on Marshall and the potential striker competition, suggesting it will give West Ham's options extra motivation to battle it out for a starting place.
"It is a healthy fight for the position," Nuno added.
"They're different players, but it's a good situation."
Jarrod Bowen continues to be a central threat for West Ham, and the England winger could yet be used in a makeshift striker role once again after Fullkrug's latest problem.
However, West Ham are in need of a natural striker, and have considered January loan moves.
While that scenario has been evaluated, pace could be a defining factor behind any purchase, with the Hammers struggling to penetrate their opposition at the top end of the field.
After a return of six goals in their opening seven Premier League encounters, West Ham could now turn to one of their rivals to secure a much-needed injection of quality going forward.
West Ham could strike deal for Chelsea sensation Tyrique George
According to Keith Wyness, in conversation with Football Insider, West Ham are trying to land Chelsea forward Tyrique George and 'sources' suggest the 19-year-old could well move to the London Stadium in January.
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The teenager, while traditionally a left-winger, can play as a centre-forward when required, as he has already done for Enzo Maresca this season on three separate occasions.
George bagged a goal and an assist in Chelsea's narrow 2-1 win over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup after being deployed as a striker — effectively winning the clash and sparing Maresca from a major embarrassment.
Now, West Ham are believed to be in for George, and Wyness says it makes perfect sense.
"One of my sources said West Ham for Tyrique George, and I think that makes all the sense in the world," Wyness said.
"I think he’s an exciting young talent, and West Ham fans have been crying out for something young and refreshing.
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"Ever since Antonio’s gone, they really seem to be a little bit bereft up front. It hasn’t quite worked with a number of strikers they’ve tried. So I think this could be a good move, and West Ham would be the right place for him.
"For him to move on from Chelsea, where he’s going to be waiting in a bit of a queue to get his chance, makes sense for him. I think he could be a real talent for the future, so I hope he does make the move. As I say, the London Stadium may be where he ends up."
Valued at around £26 million during the summer by Chelsea, George has registered four goals and six assists in 31 total appearances for the club.
Due to his limited minutes this season, West Ham may now have the perfect opportunity to offer regular exposure to senior football, though it isn't clear whether he would arrive in East London permanently or on loan.