Fulham striker would be a fantastic signing for West Ham if they can pull it off | OneFootball

West Ham United are exploring a move for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz as they intensify their search for attacking reinforcements, Standard Sport reports.

Injuries sidelining Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug have left Danny Ings as the only fit striker in Graham Potter’s squad.

The injury crisis forced midfielder Lucas Paqueta to lead the line in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham, a game in which Muniz came off the bench for the Cottagers.

West Ham’s recruitment team has been monitoring the Brazilian forward since Julen Lopetegui’s tenure at the club, and he’s now emerging as a top target.

The 23-year-old started the season as Fulham’s first-choice striker but has been displaced by Raul Jiminez, who has scored eight league goals this season compared to Muniz’s three.

Fulham reportedly rate Muniz highly but won’t be opposed to striking a deal. However, it would take a significant fee or a loan deal with an obligation to buy for them to consider a sale.

West Ham are also considering other options, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson, who may be available on loan later in the window.

Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi is another name that has been floated around.

Muniz would be a masterstroke signing for West Ham

Muniz caught the eye towards the end of last season when he went on a hot streak, bagging eight goals in as many games.

He even received plenty of plaudit from countryman and ex-Fulham ace Willian, who tipped Muniz to become one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

Muniz is a multi-faceted threat whose clinical finishing, physical prowess and hold-up play allow him to affect the game not just as a scorer but also as a playmaker.

Despite the drop-off in form, the former Flamengo star would be a fantastic signing for West Ham, but they’d need to cough up the funds required to get a deal over the line.

Considering they’re operating on a tight budget, the smart play would be to sign him on an initial loan with an eye-catching purchase option.