West Ham interested in former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic | OneFootball

West Ham United are interested in signing free agent Luka Jovic this summer, according to Estadio Deportivo.

His name has been in the West Ham rumour mill for some time, and the Hammers could push to get a deal over the line.

However, Oviedo are currently leading West Ham, Getafe, and Cruz Azul in the race for his signature.

The East Londoners need a striker to lead the line after a limp season in front of the goal. Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug managed only three goals in 20 appearances.

Meanwhile, Michail Antonio had only scored once before he was involved in a terrible accident mid-season that ruled him out of the campaign.

West Ham need a lethal, capable centre-forward to spearhead the Hammers back into the upper echelon of the Premier League after a disappointing 14th place finish last term.

Jovic delivered four goals for AC Milan as a back-up option last term and left the Rossoneri after an underwhelming time.

He did show glimpses of the ability that made him one of the most wanted European forwards following a breakout season at Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018/19.

Hailed as “an absolute world-class striker with a high calibre”, an ill-advised move to Real Madrid broke his confidence, but he enjoyed a new lease of life away from the La Liga side.

However, West Ham must steer clear of Jovic or any of the uninspiring free agents the club has been linked to recently, like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Callum Wilson.

West Ham need a centre-forward who can deliver at least 15 league goals next term, and none of those options look capable of bringing those numbers.

Even if West Ham do not have the funds to sign a top-calibre striker, the Hammers should consider finding a striker to take on loan.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Liverpool man Darwin Nunez could be options.