West Ham United are in the hunt for Stoke City striker Mame Biram Diouf, according to the Sun.
The newspaper’s live blog [10.53am, 31/1] reports that the Hammers are interested in taking the 31-year-old on loan for the rest of the season, with Premier League rivals Burnley and Championship side Hull City also interested in his services.
Diouf has made nine appearances in all competitions for the Potters this season, and had made 153 Premier League appearances playing for the likes of Manchester United.
OPINION
Now this interest has come out of the blue, hasn’t it? However, it does not make any sense whatsover that the Irons would be interested in Diouf. After all, he has not scored one single goal this season so far, and he has only made nine appearances for his club. It may be only to take him on loan, but this would be a rather bizarre switch. Fans want stellar signings, not players who have evidently gone past their time. West Ham can do a lot better than plot a swoop for Diouf, and it is paramount that they turn their attentions elsewhere. It is waste of their time – especially on deadline day – if they are serious about bringing in a striker. They must let him go to either Burnley or Hull, as he is clearly not good enough to make it at a team like West Ham – and it is highly unlikely that he will be welcomed with open arms if his lack of goals are anything to go by.