Kerry Mayodi
West Ham United have been linked with several strikers since the departure of Sebastien Haller who joined Ajax in January. Despite this, the club has not signed a forward in the two transfer windows since then.
West Ham are currently lacking in squad depth, with club record goal scorer Michail Antonio being their only recognizable centre forward.
With less than 48 hours left till the transfer window closes, the Hammers are now reportedly interested in Montpellier forward Gaetan Lborde who is ideal for the club considering their budget.
The 27-year-old has scored 3 goals in the 4 opening games of Ligue 1, including the consolation goal in Montpellier’s 2-1 defeat to Lille yesterday.
David Moyes’ side has already finalized the signing of Kurt Zouma from Chelsea, but the manager does not seem to be done yet.
Moyes intends to bring in a new centre-forward and this will be crucial in their hopes of success this season, as they need a player who can come from the bench and win games for them.
According to sports newspaper L’Equipe, Montpellier boss Olivier Dall’Oglio, has admitted that that there is a possibility the player might leave the club this window.
“We spoke with Gaetan, with the whole club. He is a boy who absolutely wanted to play (this Sunday), who is totally invested in the club until the end,” Dall’Oglio said.
“But the context means that he too can leave very quickly. I have no certainty. He can leave, he can stay. I don’t know. It’s the transfer window.”
Laborde has also caught the eyes of other clubs, including Rennes, Sevilla and Lyon.
Despite his impressive start to the new season, Montpellier are ready to sell the Frenchman, expecting a fee of around €15 million to let him go.
Laborde bagged 18 goals and nine assists in 43 games for Montpellier last season.
