West Ham’s search for a striker takes them to the SPL
Published:The fact that Ally McCoist has had an offer rejected for Norwich striker suggests that he is expecting Nikica Jelavic to leave the club in the January transfer window.
Jelavic is the top scorer in the Scottish Premier League this season and his 14 goals have helped attract interest from a host of clubs in England.
A move to the Premier League seemed highly likely, with Liverpool one of the clubs linked, alongside Fulham.
However, it is Championship club West Ham that have emerged as the slightly surprising front runners to secure his signature.
Sam Allardyce’s desire to sign a striker is well documented, with a £5m offer for Huddersfield hotshot Jordan Rhodes having already reportedly been rebuffed in the current transfer window.
Meanwhile, West Ham have also been linked with Watford’s Marvin Sordell and even a spectacular loan switch to bring Carlos Tevez back to Upton Park.
But it now seems that Jelavic has moved to the head of the shortlist and it is reported that an offer of around £6m has already been put on the table.
Although Rangers value the Croatian at closer to £10m, their need for money may force them into accepting the offer, while it would also give them time in the transfer window to seek a replacement.
Fulham should not be ruled out though, as Martin Jol knows the importance of signing a striker, especially with the futures of Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson seemingly unclear.
West Ham’s odds are currently 1/1 to win the Championship and a prolific striker would certainly do their challenge more good than harm.
After 26 games, Carlton Cole is their present top scorer with just eight goals.
