One issue is stopping West Ham push to sign Norwich City's Josh Sargent | OneFootball

Josh Sargent has been linked with a January switch to West Ham

West Ham’s interest in Norwich City striker Josh Sargent has hit one major stumbling block ahead of the January transfer window.

The American forward’s future at Carrow Road is up in the air as the new year approaches, particularly with the Canaries struggling for form in the Championship.

Philippe Clement’s side are firmly in a relegation battle due to their inability to string together consistent results in the first half of the campaign.

Liam Manning was dismissed as manager in November, leading to Clement’s arrival as his replacement.

The January transfer window will be his first opportunity to shape the squad to his liking, but handling the future of a key player like Sargent may become his greater focus amid the threat of League One football for Norwich in 2026.

West Ham’s stumbling block in Josh Sargent chase

According to Teamtalk, West Ham are keen on a deal to bring Sargent to the London Stadium in the new year.

Nuno Espirito Santo is seeking reinforcements to his attacking options, with the club at risk of relegation from the Premier League.

However, it’s believed that the £20 million asking price set by Norwich could prove a major stumbling block in getting an agreement over the line.

West Ham aren’t currently willing to pay that much for the player ahead of the January window, which could prevent a deal from happening.

Clement will surely be keen to keep Sargent due to his importance to the team, with the US international holding a contract with the Norfolk outfit until the summer of 2028.

It’s understood that the Hammers are willing to seek other opportunities as long as the £20 million asking price remains in place.

Norwich have no immediate incentive to lower their demands, particularly with the club in a fight against relegation themselves.

Josh Sargent’s importance to Norwich

Sargent has become a key part of the Norwich squad in recent years, scoring 44 goals in his last three full campaigns.

The 25-year-old has continued to find the back of the net this season, albeit results for the team have declined regardless.

If the Canaries were to accept a £20 million offer for the striker, then there would be a lot of pressure on sporting director Ben Knapper to find an adequate replacement for his goals.

It would also put Norwich at even greater risk of suffering relegation to League One given their first half of the campaign.

Sargent will be keen to have a strong second half of the season due to the USA’s hosting of the World Cup in the summer, which will also play a factor in his decision-making regarding his immediate future.

The opportunity to impress in the Premier League could give him the boost he needs for Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.

However, if the Canaries hold firm on their £20 million asking price, then West Ham may just look elsewhere in the winter market.

It will be very important for the Championship side that they don’t budge from their demands, as the less they accept for the sale of Sargent, the harder it will be to replace him.