West Ham United’s pursuit of Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard delayed due to Nils Koppen’s pending appointment | OneFootball

West Ham United are interested in signing Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

However, their pursuit of the 21-year-old has been delayed as they are waiting for the appointment of Nils Koppen as their new head of recruitment.

The FC Copenhagen technical director had been expected to be announced earlier this week.

Koppen has much-needed experience as the Hammers look to recruit the right players for their promotion ambitions.

No new player has been signed yet but Mateus Fernandes could leave for Tottenham Hotspur in the coming days.

Spurs have agreed to pay the Hammers £85 million up front for the Portuguese midfielder, pipping Manchester United to him.

A couple of players are set to leave the club, but Koppen’s appointment will determine when the incoming deals start.

West Ham also have FC Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju on their radar after he scored 22 goals last term in 34 games.

However, Ballard is the sort of player that could continue to flourish at a higher level and could be a more sensible acquisition for West Ham.

He is clever with his movement and sharp around the box – attributes that could make him a difference-maker in the Championship.