West Ham are thought to be keeping tabs on Blackburn Rovers’ in-form striker Adam Armstrong ahead of the January transfer window, according to ExWHUEmployee.
Speaking on his The West Ham Way podcast, Ex said: “Adam Armstrong, ex Newcastle player, scoring goals for Blackburn – I think he’s actually the top scorer in the Championship at the moment – he’s someone that we like.”
Formerly of Newcastle United, Armstrong was sent out on loan to Bolton and Barnsley before landing at Blackburn on a permanent basis in 2018, having made just 15 Premier League appearances for the Magpies.
During his spell in the northeast, Armstrong struggled to make his mark on the Magpies’ first team and Ex believes that was down to his position, saying: “From memory, I think when he started out at Newcastle he was a winger, I think he’s quite slight.”
The 23-year-old has been in outstanding form this season and has 12 goals in 12 games so far in the Championship – making him the leading marksman in the division.
The Hammers may not be alone in their fondness of the Newcastle-born striker but could find themselves put off by the price tag imparted on the frontman as Blackburn demand £30m for their star striker.
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Having had an ultimately unsuccessful taste of top-flight football, Armstrong’s current hot streak lends itself to another crack at the big time.
However, despite David Moyes’ need for more centre-forward options, the astronomical fee slapped on the Rovers man’s head means it’s unlikely he will be heading to London Stadium anytime soon.
Armstrong’s market value is on the rise but, at £6.3m (Transfermarkt), it falls some way short of the £30m valuation from the officials at Ewood Park.
With other targets in mind such as loan deals for Luka Jovic and a far more affordable option in Josh King – who has scored goals in the Premier League previously – it seems the interest in Armstrong may have to be left at a watching brief.
