West Ham United are looking for a new striker ahead of the January transfer window amid growing concerns over the fitness of Niclas Fullkrug, and Panathinaikos star Fotis Ioannidis is a potential target, according to talkSPORT.
The 24-year-old Greece international was on their radar last summer after he notched 23 goals in 44 games across all competitions for the Super League Greece club, and he remains in their plans.
West Ham ended up signing Fullkrug instead, but the Germany international has missed six successive matches due to an ongoing Achilles issue.
The 31-year-old has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League since joining the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund in a £27 million deal.
His fitness issues have raised question marks over the wisdom of technical director Tim Steidten’s decision to buy him despite his poor injury history, and manager Julen Lopetegui wants a new striker.
34-year-old Michail Antonio has started seven of the eight league games this term, but he is not a long-term solution for the Spanish manager, and a move for Ioannidis in January could be on the cards.
West Ham are currently 15th in the Premier League table following two victories in their opening eight games, with two draws and four defeats to their name, and Lopetegui is starting to come under pressure.
Having a quality number 9 who will be available for action when needed could go a long way in helping the Irons turn their fortunes around going forward, and it remains to be seen whether Fullkrug will attain full fitness and maintain it anytime soon.
Ioannidis will not be the only striker West Ham will be eyeing ahead of January, and they could opt for someone else if his current form does not improve before the end of the year.
The Greek forward has just a goal in 11 games this season and has to do better to convince the Hammers that he is good enough for the Premier League.
