West Ham have made a serious move for VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy.
The prolific centre-forward has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle.
However, West Ham are now in contact and are showing a willingness to trigger Guirassy's 17m buyout clause ahead of the January market kicking off.
West Ham boss David Moyes is eager to find a new striker signing given a lack of current options and Michail Antonio's injury problems this season.
Guinea international Guirassy is under contract until 2026.