Financial limitations push West Ham to explore loan market for Michail Antonio replacement | OneFootball

West Ham United are intensifying efforts to recruit a prolific goalscorer in the fast-approaching January transfer window following the injury to star striker Michail Antonio.

Antonio underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture sustained in a car accident last Saturday, resulting in him missing the Hammers’ 2-1 home triumph against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

Julen Lopetegui’s squad paid tribute to their teammate in the build-up to the clash via SportsView, warming up in ‘Antonio 9’ jerseys while walking onto the pitch in tops adorning his name.

According to the Evening Standard, Lopetegui, who secured a lifeline in London with three points against Wolves, dedicated the victory to the Jamaican star.

However, with an uncertain timeline for Antonio’s return to action, West Ham will likely double down in their search for an immediate solution to boost Lopetegui’s firepower.

West Ham parted with £27.5 million to sign Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, only for the German ace to endure an injury-hit start to life in England.

Fullkrug opened his Premier League account in a 3-1 defeat at Leicester City and could be considered a mid-season addition after a sustained period on the treatment table earlier this season.

Yet, the 31-year-old alone is not enough to steer the Irons away from the bottom half of the table, heightening the pressure on the club to address this issue in the upcoming transfer window.

After spending big last summer, the London giants face budgetary constraints, forcing technical director Tim Steidten to explore alternative ways to reinforce attacking options.

There’s a chance West Ham could tap into the loan market after their search for a new centre-forward became a priority.

Despite being in dire need of a new goal-getter, it’s hard to expect Lopetegui’s side to splash out insane figures midway through the campaign, increasing the likelihood of a loan arrival.