West Ham intersted in signing “impressive” £7 million striker with 55 international goals

West Ham’s need for attacking reinforcements this summer couldn’t be clearer. With Graham Potter preparing for his first full season in charge, the lack of reliable firepower up front remains a major concern — especially after the departure of Mohammed Kudus to Spurs.

While Kudus wasn’t at his best last season, his ability to produce magic moments made him a match-winner, and losing that spark stings.

Up top, options are thinning fast. Evan Ferguson has joined Roma after a poor loan spell, Michail Antonio is nearing the end of his career and remains hampered by injury due to his devastating car crash, while the less said about Niclas Füllkrug the better. Right now, Jarrod Bowen is the only dependable forward in the squad.

If West Ham are to push forward under Potter, they need fresh attacking blood — and a potential answer might just be waiting in Milan.

West Ham in Three-Way Battle for Inter Milan Striker Mehdi Taremi

West Ham are reportedly in the hunt to sign Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi, with Leeds United and Fulham also circling.

Kevin Nolan questions Newcastle United decision as Yoane Wissa interest intensifies, ‘no disrespect’

Kevin Nolan has reservations about Newcastle United signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford.

The Magpies are hunting for a striker, with Newcastle keen to sign Yoane Wissa.

The 28-year-old is the subject of interest from Eddie Howe’s side, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest. It is claimed that Wissa is open to joining Newcastle, as they get set to offer around £30million for the forward.

At the same time, Newcastle want Isak to sign a new contract at St James’ Park. However, that will be tricky given the player’s wage demands. Geordie Boot Boys understand that Isak wants £300,000-a-week at Newcastle, which has shocked Toon officials.

• Who is Alexander Isak? Newcastle United’s sensational striker who has done something Shearer couldn’t

Kevin Nolan does not think Yoane Wissa can replace Alexander Isak at Newcastle United

Speaking on TalkSPORT, former Toon captain Kevin Nolan thinks Newcastle United should pay Isak what he wants as they will simply not be able to replace him.

Nolan then turned his attention to the Magpies’ interest in Wissa, suggesting that he is not at the level required to take Isak’s place at St James’ Park.

“Newcastle fans will be saying we want to keep him and we want to pay him the money,” he said.

“They’ve got the owners, the backers. Are you going to find another Isak? They’re talking about Wissa, but I’m not too sure that he probably gets the goals and becomes that number nine.

According to Tuttomercato, the Hammers have added the 33-year-old to their shortlist as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Inter are open to selling Taremi for around £7 million, with the Iranian forward expected to leave after a limited role last season. He scored just three goals in 2024/25, largely featuring from the bench or in a supporting role – but that doesn’t tell the full story.

At FC Porto, Taremi was a proven force, netting 91 goals in 182 games, including 31 in the 2022/23 season. On the international stage, he’s hit 55 goals for Iran, underlining his pedigree at the highest level.

Inter legend Goran Pandev described him as “impressive” and “a great striker” – high praise from someone who knows elite forwards.

Taremi may be a short-term fix at 33, but he could be exactly the kind of smart, low-cost move that keeps West Ham climbing, at least for now.

“It’s different. There’s no disrespect to Brentford here, but it’s different playing at Newcastle and being the number nine for Newcastle than it is at Brentford. There’s an expectation there.

“I don’t want to have a go at Brentford and have the Brentford fans going at me, but it is a big difference.”

• Who is Yoane Wissa? Newcastle United set sights on £40m striker after Hugo Ekitike fiasco

Yoane Wissa would not replace Alexander Isak at Newcastle United

Is Wissa at the level Newcastle United need to replace Isak? No.

Are Newcastle United trying to replace Isak with Wissa? No.

If they do sign the DR Congo international, it will be to play alongside and provide cover for Isak. Newcastle’s interest in Wissa is not an indication that Isak could be leaving.

What Newcastle need ahead of the 2025/26 season is depth, particularly in attack after Callum Wilson’s departure. Signing another striker is absolutely pivotal, which is why Howe is making a move for Wissa.

If Hugo Ekitike’s arrival was not going to result in Isak leaving, a deal for Wissa will certainly not result in a heartbreaking sale.

Whether or not Wissa is good enough to be Newcastle’s main striker is not a debate that is worth having. That simply would not be his role at St James’ Park.