The future of West Ham’s £27m striker Niclas Füllkrug remains uncertain.
The German forward returned to action, scoring a consolation goal in the Hammers’ 3-1 defeat to Leicester City, but was left out of the squad for the 2-1 win against Wolves.
Many assumed Füllkrug’s return to fitness after three months on the side-lines would mean West Ham wouldn’t need to enter the transfer market for a striker in January.
However, Claret & Hugh has learned that the former Dortmund striker’s future is still in doubt following reports of homesickness.
A top source inside the London Stadium told C&H: “It depends on how Füllkrug performs and if he wants to stay,” when asked whether the club would look to strengthen the frontline following Michail Antonio’s injury.
It is understood that West Ham are compiling a list of striker targets to mitigate the possibility of Füllkrug leaving in January.
At present, Danny Ings is the club’s only fully fit striker. It was telling that head coach Julen Lopetegui opted for the former Saints man as the team’s substitute striker against Wolves, rather than Füllkrug.
The uncertainty surrounding both Antonio and Füllkrug could also mean that Ings will not be allowed to leave until the summer. The club had explored selling Ings in January, but this is no longer an option until a replacement is secured.
