West Brom pose a serious threat to West Ham’s prospects of bringing in long-term target Josh King from Bournemouth after the Baggies’ interest was reported by the Daily Mail.
According to the outlet, Sam Allardyce is eyeing up the Norwegian international, who is out of contract in the summer, as a bargain option with proven Premier League experience to bolster Albion’s goal threat.
Bournemouth rejected bids for King from West Ham and Serie A outfit Torino in the summer, believing that the 28-year-old had a pivotal role to play in the Cherries’ bid for automatic promotion. However, he has fallen behind the likes of Dominic Solanke and Sam Surridge in the pecking order at the Vitality Stadium.
King developed through the Manchester United academy in his early career before making the switch to Blackburn in search of more senior game-time. He then moved to the south coast for just £1m after his Ewood Park deal expired.
The Red Devils even tried to sign the centre-forward in the previous January window, but the Cherries resisted offers. The 28-year-old will reportedly be allowed to leave this month, but Bournemouth are adamant they will not let key assets exit the club in cut-price deals which they feel are not reflective of players’ real value.
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The Hammers desperately need some added firepower, as Michail Antonio is only just returning to the fold after injury whilst club record signing Sebastien Haller remains an inconsistent option who is prone to dry spells in front of goal.
King has managed 50 goals in almost 180 appearances for the Cherries and is an established Premier League striker. He could certainly be a candidate to meaningfully challenge Moyes’ existing centre-forward options.
