According to sources at Football Insider, West Ham will need to offload players in order to bring in another striker before the 30 August transfer deadline.

The club recently announced the signing of Germany international Niclas Fullkrug on a four-year deal for around £27million. This has left the club with limited funds for further transfers, prompting the need to sell players to accommodate a new signing.

Despite negotiations for Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran being halted due to Fullkrug’s arrival, the ex-Dortmund star is set to be the main striker for West Ham this season. However, at 31 years old, the club will need to find a suitable understudy for him, necessitating the sale of current first-team players.

Fullkrug had an impressive season with 16 goals and 10 assists in 46 games for Dortmund last season, and also made an impact for Germany at the European Championships. With West Ham’s top scorer from last season being winger Jarrod Bowen, there is a clear need for additional firepower up front.

Julen Lopetegui will begin his reign as West Ham manager with a match against Aston Villa on 17 August, as the club looks to solidify their squad before the transfer window closes.