West Ham's search for a striker this January transfer window is gathering pace with the Hammers reportedly keen on Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, according to reports in France.
Dieng is currently on international duty with Senegal where his goal on Tuesday helped his country into the last-16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 21-year-old is a versatile forward who is equally comfortable through the middle and in a wide attacking role, one he fulfilled for Senegal against Cape Verde when replacing Liverpool's Sadio Mane in the second half.
Dieng secured Senegal's progress with a late strike to make it 2-0, his first goal for his country in just his sixth cap.
According to French outlet RMC Sport, Dieng is the subject of transfer interest from West Ham who are keen to strengthen their attacking options before the end of the month.
Marseille are believed to be willing to let the forward go if West Ham meet their £8.4 million valuation for a permanent transfer. Dieng is contracted to Marseille until 2024 and is also rumoured to be attracting interest from Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
At club level Dieng has four goals and one assist in 14 league games for Marseille this season and is understood to be open to a move to England.
A deal for Dieng would not be straightforward with the striker preparing for Senegal's quarter-final on Sunday evening and all medical and paperwork would need to be done in Cameroon ahead of the January 31 deadline.
Dieng is not the only player West Ham are interested in with football.london understanding the Hammers remain keen on adding defensive depth to their squad before deadline day with Duje Caleta-Car and Nat Phillips the most likely targets.
