Graham Potter is making his voice heard already at West Ham as pre-existing striker targets are ditched with a new name in the club’s sights.
It was not lost on West Ham fans that the club have continued to be linked to the same old striker targets since Graham Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui.
Some coincidence that isn’t it.
Two completely different managers from different countries and backgrounds, who play different styles like all the same strikers?
Given West Ham have demoted technical director Tim Steidten, it doesn’t add up.
The Irons have been linked with the likes of Evan Ferguson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Andre Silva and Rodrigo Muniz among others.
The Hammers have confirmed that Potter will be having his input on transfers.
Just last week West Ham revealed Potter was not keen on options put to him thus far.
“The manager is not sure about any of the choices,” a spokesman for West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News.
Potter makes voice heard at West Ham
Since then journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed Potter has asked West Ham to focus on bringing him two top free agents this summer.
That does not mean Potter isn’t open to bringing in a much-needed forward in the January transfer window, though.
As long as it is a player he wants and believes fits his philosophy.
The new manager’s influence is clear to see already.
Because Potter is making his voice heard at West Ham as he orders a move for a new striker target.
And the good news is the Hammers are leading the chase.
Potter has asked David Sullivan to hijack RB Leipzig’s move for a Swiss army knife of a striker in the shape of Noah Okafor.
The Switzerland international can play across the forward line, including as the main striker.
Okafor is much more on line with the profile of player West Ham should be targeting.
Young, athletic, fast, skilful, versatile and with something to prove.
Okafor was snapped up by AC Milan from Red Bull Salzburg. But he has struggled to establish himself at the San Siro.
Sullivan moves to give Potter what he’s asking Okafor
The 6ft 1in star Hammers target is still highly thought of at Red Bull, though.
Because they wanted him back to play for RB Leipzig earlier this month.
A £1.5m loan deal with an option to buy for around £20m was agreed but the move collapsed after Okafor apparently failed an aspect of his medical with Leipzig.
He has since returned to Milan but has been told in no uncertain terms he has no future there and should find a new club before the window closes.
It has also been confirmed that ‘Okafor does not have any physical problems’ relating to the medical and is merely working on regaining full fitness.
Now Gazzetta dello Sport claim West Ham are showing serious interest in the forward.
So too are West Ham’s high-flying Premier League rivals Bournemouth.
But it’s claimed the Hammers are in the ‘front row’.
West Ham have confirmed they can only do loan deals this month as they look to sign a striker, midfielder and possibly a centre-back.
The beauty of the Okafor move is that it gives Potter much more flexibility.
He is the right kind of profile of player West Ham should be targeting as they look to get more pace in the team and lower the age of the Premier League’s oldest squad.
Okafor’s record at Milan isn’t great.
But he has barely been given a kick this season.
Last term he managed six goals and two assists in six Serie A starts.
So he seems to be a forward who is crying out for regular game time.
With it being an initial low, the risk factor is low for West Ham too.
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