WEST HAM’S MIND-BLOWING £80M DEAL FOR WORLD-CLASS STRIKER SUDDENLY REVIVED – BUT ONE SHOCKING OBSTACLE COULD DESTROY EVERYTHING AT THE LAST SECOND!

West Ham United are reported to be focusing on two key markets as they intensify their search for a new striker ahead of the January transfer window.

With Niclas Füllkrug having completed a move to AC Milan, Nuno Espírito Santo is left with Callum Wilson as his only senior centre-forward.

However, Wilson’s advancing age and persistent injury issues leave the Hammers dangerously short of reliable attacking options.

Füllkrug’s departure has done little to weaken West Ham’s attack in practical terms, as the German struggled badly during his time in east London, scoring just three goals in 18 months following his £27m switch from Borussia Dortmund.

His exit has only increased the urgency to recruit a forward capable of making an immediate impact.

West Ham are currently exploring domestic options, including several Championship forwards, while Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen has also been considered.

At the same time, the club has turned significant attention towards the Brazilian market, with Cruzeiro forward Kaio Jorge emerging as a leading target.

Jorge has been on West Ham’s radar since Nuno’s arrival, and initial discussions over a potential deal were previously reported.

However, talks stalled after Cruzeiro rejected what was described as a low offer from the Hammers.

That proposal involved a loan move with a £20m obligation to buy, conditional on West Ham avoiding relegation, which the Brazilian club swiftly dismissed.

Despite setbacks, including Coventry’s tongue-in-cheek £200m valuation of Haji Wright and Wolves’ high demands for Strand Larsen, negotiations for Jorge have now resumed.

With the transfer window opening in a week and a favourable run of fixtures ahead, West Ham’s survival hopes rest heavily on reinforcing their attack quickly.

Jorge’s impressive record of 26 goals and nine assists in 46 games this year has only strengthened West Ham’s interest. While Cruzeiro are open to a deal around £26m, a key issue remains.

West Ham want performance-based clauses tied to appearances and goals before the transfer becomes permanent, whereas Cruzeiro are pushing for a simpler obligation triggered solely by Premier League survival.

Resolving this dispute will be crucial, especially as there is a growing belief that West Ham may need two new strikers, not just one, to secure their top-flight status.