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 bringing Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard to the London Stadium club this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants attacking reinforcements and the Hammers have Ballard on their radar.

However, their pursuit of the 21-year-old hitman 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.

West Ham have to hit the ground running when the Championship campaign begins, and they need a ready squad in place.

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

Ballard won the League One golden boot with 23 goals last season, and Bristol City are also keen on his services.

They are looking to offer an improved bid for the Southampton star and West Ham could miss out on him.

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 it appears Koppen’s appointment will determine when the incoming deals start.

West Ham also have FC Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju on their radar after the 22-year-old Guinea-Bissau international scored 22 goals last term in 34 games.