West Ham have set the record straight over stories doing the rounds about three different strikers and it makes for grim reading.
It is now the worst kept secret in football that West Ham are planning another overhaul this summer.
Last summer’s rebuild has not worked out and Graham Potter wants a younger, more dynamic side.
Head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay is busy identifying and lining up targets for West Ham to sign.
As things stand it will then be over to majority owner David Sullivan – acting as de facto technical director – and vice-chair Karren Brady to go out and get deals done.
One thing sacked technical director Tim Steidten was good at, was getting deals over the line.
Hammers fans were delirious when Steidten brought in nine new players last summer to the tune of £155m.
But things have not worked out as anyone would have hoped or expected.
Now Potter is planning a youthful makeover for the Premier League’s oldest squad.
The areas most in need of attention are West Ham’s creaking midfield and forward line.
West Ham’s most striking issue
The three strikers West Ham own, Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug, will have a combined age of 99 when the former turns 35 next week.
Antonio and Ings are set to be out of contract at the end of the season as things stand.
Although Hammers News has been told West Ham have made decisions on Antonio and Ings.
Fullkrug was being linked with a move away less than six months into his West Ham career ahead of the January window.
Juventus and Bundesliga clubs were said to be interested.
But Fullkrug suffered his second serious injury of the season to put paid to that.
West Ham have brought in Evan Ferguson on loan – a deal Hammers News warned from the beginning was unlikely to ever become permanent.
The transfer rumour mill has already been whirring at West Ham regarding striker targets.
Jonathan David, Emanuel Emegha and Franculino Dju have all been linked with moves to West Ham.
At least one, if not two, strikers will be needed at the London Stadium this summer.
Sullivan confidant sets record straight on West Ham striker stories
And now a Sullivan confidant has set the record straight on three West Ham striker stories.
The Hammers got a major boost when reports emerged from Spain about their move for soon-to-be free agent forward David this week.
It was claimed Barcelona, David’s dream club, were unconvinced about signing the Canada star.
Better still, it was stated that West Ham had made a big new offer to try and lure David to east London.
Now Sullivan confidant Sean Whetstone has shared word from top sources on the David deal.
It has been confirmed a second offer has gone in for the Lille star. But there remains much pessimism over landing such a coveted free agent.
Although he does point out the push to try and sign David all but confirms Ferguson won’t be staying at West Ham.
The source told Claret and Hugh: “Yes (a second offer has been made for David), but it’s unlikely to succeed.”
Whetstone then added: “This was supported by a second source, who also confirmed West Ham’s transfer interest. What is clear is that West Ham are chasing David, which surely means there will be no renewed attempts to extend Evan Ferguson’s stay at the club.”
The same report also went on to claim it is not certain Fullkrug would go back to Germany this summer.
Although Hammers News has been told by the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners that he will be one of many players the club considers bids for come June.
In fact West Ham plan to raise over £100m in sales with PSR meaning the club has to cut its cloth accordingly.
Ferguson’s situation at West Ham has not gone down well in Ireland.
Republic of Ireland assistant boss John O’Shea has hit out at Potter over Ferguson this week.
