West Ham remain without adequate striker backup as the transfer window fast approaches an 11:00pm deadline on Tuesday.
As things stand the Hammers have signed goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and central defender Kurt Zouma from Chelsea.
Heavily linked with a late move for CSKA Moscow attacking midfielder Nikola Vlasic, there is the distinct possibility David Moyes could face the prospect of a campaign with only Michail Antonio as a recognised frontman.
However, according to a report from French outlet L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), as cited by Louis (West Ham Central) on Twitter, West Ham could still land Montpellier forward Gaetan Laborde.
Twitter: Gaetan Laborde could stay or ‘leave very quickly’ according to Montpellier boss Olivier Dall’Oglio, amidst strong l… https://t.co/IpcNCCPln4 (@central_louis)
The report claims that the Irons ‘could take action’ in the final hours of the window as the Ligue 1 club ‘expect’ a fee of around £12.8million for the 27-year-old.
L’Equipe also provide quotes from Montpellier manager Olivier Dall’Oglio, suggesting a deal could still be on the table.
We spoke with Gaëtan, with the whole club. He is a boy who absolutely wanted to play (this Sunday), who is totally invested in the club until the end. But the context means that he too can leave very quickly. I have no certainty. He can leave, he can stay. I don’t know. It’s the transfer window.
So far this season the Frenchman has scored three goals in four league outings – predominantly from a right-wing role.
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Valued at £13.5million and under contract in France until 2023 (Transfermarkt), signing Laborde for the mooted asking price would be a superb deal.
Despite operating from the right this term, previously the ace has acted as a central striker for the most part.
Although Vlasic would represent a strong squad addition, the Croatian has barely played as the main striker – leaving more than enough room for the ex-France youth international.
