West Ham are interested in signing Sunderland forward Josh Maja this January, according to the Sunderland Echo.
The 20-year-old has hit 16 goals in all competitions so far this season, and recently told the Black Cats that he would not be signing a new contract on Wearside, as reported by the Guardian.
The Hammers are understood to be eyeing up a move for the forward, with The Sun suggesting that the Mackems are looking for a fee of around £4 million.
It is believed that West Ham would then be willing to allow Maja to return to Sunderland on loan for 18 months after any deal was struck.
Good move for West Ham?
This could be a great move for the Hammers. Maja is far and away one of the most promising forwards in the English game, and has the distinct advantage of playing at a senior level weekly despite his young age. £4 million would be a steal, and the option to loan him back to Sunderland would allow him to continue his development while still being on West Ham’s books. Maja is a natural finisher with a happy knack of finding bottom corners, and there’s no saying just how far he could go if given the right time and support.
Forever West Ham rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
The young striker is leaving Sunderland, that much seems nailed on, and West Ham have just as much chance, if not more, of signing as anybody else. Maja is London-born and would probably prefer a move back to the capital, while the Hammers’ willingness to loan him back to Sunderland could give them the edge of other prospective suitors in the hunt for his signature.
Forever West Ham rating: 8/10
