West Ham are reportedly interested in Ajax striker Lassina Traore, according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf (via football-oranje).
The Hammers are on the lookout for a new striker this month as David Moyes looks to strengthen his squad. Premier League rivals Wolves are also believed to be keen on the 19-year-old as the Midlands club look to find cover for Raul Jimenez.
Burkina Faso international Traore has forced his way into the Ajax first team this season, scoring nine goals and setting up nine others in 18 appearances. His goal return is greater than that of Jarrod Bowen (four) and Michail Antonio (three) combined and two more than West Ham’s leading scorer Sebastien Haller [Transfermarkt].
The report claimed that the teenager’s impressive form has attracted English admirers, but Ajax are unlikely to allow the striker to leave the club in January.
Moyes may have been impressed with the centre-forward’s Champions League form, including his two outings against Liverpool. Despite his tender age, Traore already has all the attributes to become an elite striker, which he showed to their utmost during Ajax’s 13-0 demolition of VVV-Venlo in October as he netted five times.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
As Antonio continues to struggle with injuries and Haller with his consistency, Moyes needs to find a striking solution this month.
Signing a youngster with bags of potential like Traore is the perfect solution, in our opinion. He is a player who doesn’t necessarily need to be the main star right away, but can learn and play his part along the way whilst he develops.
