Aston Villa have stormed into the race to sign a "proper target man" in the summer transfer window, with West Ham United now up against it.
Villa eyeing new striker despite Abraham's form
Since returning to Villa Park in January, Tammy Abraham has displayed some encouraging signs, scoring after being handed a start in the 3-1 FA Cup defeat against Newcastle United, before going on to find the net after being used as a late substitute against Leeds United.
Ollie Watkins, on the other hand, has been inconsistent this season, scoring just one goal in his opening 13 Premier League games, although he has since managed to impress at times, netting against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle.
At 30-years-old, the England international is by no means in the latter stages of his career, but he isn't enjoying the greatest of campaigns by his own standards, which suggests it could be worth bringing in a long-term replacement at the end of the season.
Ollie Watkins' goal record Premier League appearances Goals
2020-21 37 14
2021-22 35 11
2022-23 37 15
2023-24 37 19
2024-25 38 16
2025-26 26 8
According to a report from Sports Boom, Aston Villa have now stormed into the race to sign Hoffenheim star Max Moerstedt, with a potential deal expected to amount to around €30m (£26m) including bonuses.
Moerstedt is high on West Ham's list of striker targets, but the struggling side are now up against it, considering they are fighting for Premier League survival, while Villa remain in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, despite shaky recent form/
Unai Emery is searching for a striker with good hold-up play, and scouts have been watching the Hoffenheim centre-forward in action for quite some time, given that he stands at a towering six foot four.
"Proper target man" Moerstedt could be interesting option for Villa
Signing the German would provide Emery with a different type of option in attack, given that he is far taller than the Spaniard's existing options, and he has been lauded for some of his performances in the Bundesliga this season by scout Jacek Kulig.
In truth, the 20-year-old hasn't exactly been prolific in front of goal, netting four times in 18 appearances across all competitions this term, but he is very young, and has plenty of time to develop his game.
The youngster is still managing to average 0.51 goals per 90 in the Bundesliga, which is the second-highest number in the Hoffenheim squad, and he could be an exciting long-term addition to Emery's squad.