- West Ham have struggled for goals this season and are looking to sign someone
- Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has been largely bench-bound due to injury
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Julen Lopetegui is in talks with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan about January targets, but insists he cannot let that distract him from Thursday’s trip to Southampton.
West Ham want a striker when the window opens, but need to sell before they can bring anyone in to keep the right side of spending regulations.
‘The talks I have with David I am not going to tell you, but we talk a lot about the team, about the squad and about the next challenge — but the only focus we have now is Southampton,’ said manager Lopetegui.
‘There is no more space in my mind now, only this. The only truth I believe is to be focused on the next match. After, we will see what happens.’
Winger Mohammed Kudus has attracted interest, but West Ham would only consider selling him for a huge fee, with a release clause in his contract of around £85million due to become active in the summer.
His performance in the 1-1 draw with Brighton last Saturday, both on and off the ball, showed how important he could still be for the Hammers.
West Ham are targeting a striker in the January window to try and amend their scoring woes
Julen Lopetgui has been in talks with co-owner David Sullivan about what West Ham’s options
The Hammers have been off-target this season, with summer signing Niclas Fullkrug having been out injured
‘Any attacking player is much better if his focus is on his defensive work,’ added Lopetegui. ‘Football is about being focused always and a collective game.
‘It was a pity he was out for five matches and it’s not easy to recover the rhythm in the Premier League.
‘He is doing that and we are happy for him. He is doing well and is helping the team.’
