Gomez’s desire to move suits striker-lite West Ham perfectly

West Ham are still searching for a few players to make certain the high standards they set themselves last season are at least maintained, if not improved upon in new surroundings.

Manager Slaven Bilic has raised the bar of expectation surrounding the Olympic Stadium’s first tenants and a few big names, such as Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli, have already joined the Hammers this summer.

One player who doesn’t look up for the new Irons’ chapter is Diafra Sakho. Widespread reports put the French striker on the verge of a £15m to West Brom, leaving Bilic an obvious void in his squad.

That striker-shaped hole could well be filled with Mario Gomez.

The 31-year-old is the property of Italian side Fiorentina, but after a hugely successful loan spell at Besiktas last season, it was assumed the German frontman would extend his stay.

Gomez netted 26 times in 33 Super Lig appearances as Besiktas went on to win the Turkish title, however, a military coup d’état in the country this summer has reportedly left Gomez looking for alternative options.

With staying as a Viola player also thought to be off the table for Gomez, there seems a clear situation for the Hammers to exploit.

Some rumours say Bilic is sanctioning a £7m bid for the German international’s services, who scored twice in as many games at Euro 2016 before his tournament was cruelly curtailed by injury.

Gomez is a centre-forward with serious pedigree, especially from his time in the Bundesliga.

After leading the line so successfully for Stuttgart, scoring 87 times in 156 appearances and helping secure the 2006/07 title on the way, Bayern Munich swooped.

Two more Bundesligas, a Champions League crown and 113 more goals followed for FC Hollywood in four seasons prior to his Serie A switch.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.