Latest developments
- West Ham are interested in RB Leipzig forward Andre Silva.
- The Hammers have three strikers out injured.
- A new move for Jhon Duran was rejected this week.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Widely shared story
After a bid for Jhon Duran was rejected by Aston Villa and reports that a move for Elye Wahi may be breaking down, West Ham are now targeting RB Leipzig forward Andre Silva.
The Guardian are reporting this story, and their football coverage is measured, while other outlets are also sharing the story, adding further credibility.
Value (4/5): A bench-warmer at Leipzig
Falling behind Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda has limited Silva's game time for RB this season and with 18 months left on his deal, they may let him go for close to his £4.2 million market valuation.
Great news for the Hammers who have limited funds to spend, and four goal involvements this season suggest he is contributing when given the chance.
Suitability (3.5/5): Form is temporary…?
More than 50 caps for Portugal and plenty of appearances for Milan and Porto, as well as in the Bundesliga, suggest the 29-year-old is capable of playing at the highest level, even if he is yet to play in England.
West Ham need goals though, and a striker who has scored only five in the last 18 months is hardly ideal.
Upgrade? (3/5): Better than no one
It's easy to be considered an upgrade when a team's only fit striker is Danny Ings, after Niclas Fullkrug joined Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen on the sidelines.
Only if Silva can hit the ground running and replicate the form he showed a few seasons ago for Eintracht Frankfurt can he be seen as such.
Logic (2/5): Hammers should think long-term
With all their forwards aging, West Ham should be thinking further ahead with their striker recruitment. In the hunt for Evan Ferguson and Emmanuel Latte Lath, Graham Potter's team would be better off signing one of those younger, hungrier forwards.
For Silva, the chance to play regularly while he can after an underwhelming time at Leipzig makes sense.
Whisper+ verdict: 15.5/25
Hardly a perfect signing, but with the Duran rejection and time running out, a more desperate move such as this is beginning to look inevitable.
