Five Striker Big Sam Should Look At In January

After a somewhat surprisingly bright start to the season there isn’t much to complain about at West Ham which is a welcomed change from the antics of the last few years. Sitting in eighth place in the Barclays Premier League and coming off the back of an emphatic win against London rivals Chelsea morale is up around the Boleyn and it seems as if Allardyce’s revolution is gaining pace.

However, despite the fantastic start made there are several questions about the side, which mainly involve the strikers’ inability to score goals. Midfielder and Captain Kevin Nolan is the highest scorer so far this term with 5 goals. That is an impressive haul for an attacking midfielder at this stage of the season but it is worrying how the strikers are struggling to hit the net. Several strikers have surpassed 7 goals and with our highest scoring striker in the league being Modibo Maiga with a mere 2 goals, something seems to be wrong.

The January transfer window is fast approaching and as always, rumours have started to circulate. Beckham, Cole and Bent being 3 names repeatedly voiced on the terraces. For our blistering start to the season I do think that Big Sam should be looking to sign at least one striker who will hit the net a bit more consistently than Carroll and co. Here are 5 strikers I would be looking at if I was gaffer:

GARY HOOPER – Celtic’s main man has been linked with a number of English clubs in the past few seasons and it’s easy to see why. The number 88 has hit 48 goals in 74 appearances for the Scottish club which is a remarkable feat. As everyone knows Scottish football is deemed an easy league by the majority of football fans and people have asked whether Hooper would be effective in the Prem. My answer is yes, with European experience of the highest level I think Hooper would be a signing we should look to make.

ADAM LALLANA – The 24 year old Southampton attacking midfielder is a player I’ve been a fan of for some time. His versatility in being able to play as a striker or midfield player and vast skill on the ball has made him a player who the likes of Liverpool are keen on. Although not an out and out goal scorer, Lallana creates countless opportunities in games and provides assists on a regular basis. At 24 he still has a lot to give and I feel he would be a wise purchase come January.

CHARLIE AUSTIN – The Burnley number 23, and 23 year old has so far hit 18 league goals in 19 appearances this season. He is the highest English goal scorer in the country and is playing like no other striker in the Championship. With a career total of 171 goals in 259 games Austin has showed that he definitely knows where the goal is. He does have the same question surrounding him as Hooper as the Championship is a lower level of football than the Premier League but it’s worked before with players from lower leagues and I think with Austin it could work again as long as Burnley don’t ask for a stupid amount of money.

LOIC REMY – The 25 year old Marseille striker has been on the hunt for a move to the Premier League for some time with West Ham being one of the clubs linked with him at one time. Spurs have also been linked with him in the Summer transfer window just gone. With a price tag rumoured to be around the 12 million pound mark for a player with outstanding ability, it would look as if Remy would be one to look at for sure.

DANNY GRAHAM – Last but certainly not least in my eyes is Swansea City’s number 10 Danny Graham. The 27 year old striker hit 12 goals in 36 league appearances for the Swans last season and was a vital part of why their season was so successful. Although not exactly a prolific goal scorer Graham possesses a physical presence and is able to link up with other players fantastically. With a price tag of around a mere 5 million pounds, Graham would be an affordable, yet fantastic addition to the squad.