West Ham closing in on highly rated Celtic striker Daniel Cummings | OneFootball

West Ham United are on the verge of signing highly-rated young striker Daniel Cummings from Celtic. The move is expected to be finalised at the end of the season.

Celtic had been eager to retain Cummings and are reportedly frustrated at their inability to secure his long-term future at Celtic Park. The Scottish club values him highly, but West Ham appear to have won the race.

For weeks, discussions between Cummings and the East London club have been ongoing, with West Ham initially aiming to wrap up a deal in the January transfer window.

However, negotiations ultimately failed to produce an agreement before the deadline. Now, all indications point towards the move being completed once the season concludes.

A key figure in the pursuit has been West Ham legend and current sporting director Mark Noble, who has played a pivotal role in convincing Cummings to choose the Hammers.

ExWHUEmployee reports that Noble has been instrumental in discussions, ensuring the young forward sees his future at the London Stadium.

“A medical is needed and is likely to be undertaken ahead of the player putting pen to paper at the end of the season and then becoming a West Ham player in July this year,” the insider revealed.

The deal is not official yet, but it is now all but complete. Barring any last-minute surprises, Cummings should become a Hammer this summer.

West Ham must still bring in a top-class centre-forward this summer (View)

Even after sealing a deal for Cummings, West Ham must push for a top-calibre striker to lead the line for manager Graham Potter. An injury to Evan Ferguson means he has not gotten a chance to strut his stuff for the Irons.

With Michail Antonio ageing and declining, plus the injury-prone Niclas Fullkrug potentially leaving, West Ham must identify and sign a reliable goalscorer to spearhead the attack.

Strasbourg powerhouse striker Emanuel Emegha needs to be on the transfer shortlist. He is not yet the most clinical in front of goal but has all the tools to become a world-class centre-forward in the physical Premier League.