West Ham eyeing swoop for £7.7m Coventry City star | OneFootball

West Ham are targeting the addition of a new forward to their squad before the 1 September deadline

West Ham are looking to build a team capable of earning automatic promotion to the Premier League next season.

The Hammers are back in the Championship for the first time since 2012, with Nuno Espírito Santo targeting a top two finish.

The Portuguese coach hasn’t worked at this level since he guided Wolves to the title in 2018, with his team earning an impressive 99 points in the process.

The Hammers have yet to make any major signings this summer, but the club have until 1 September to conclude any potential business.

The London outfit’s focus has been on player sales so far, with the likes of Crysencsio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes both departing in big money deals.

But West Ham’s attention could now turn towards incomings, with just five weeks remaining in the transfer market.

West Ham target Coventry City’s Haji Wright in forward chase

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It has been reported by Football Insider that Coventry City forward Haji Wright remains on the club’s radar as they target a forward to bolster Espírito Santo’s frontline for next season.

Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda was also believed to be a target prior to his move to Stade Rennais, whilst FC Metz duo Habib Diallo and Pape Moussa Fall are also being eyed.

The Hammers are keen to strengthen their forward options for next season, as they target promotion from the Championship, and they have not given up on the signing of Wright.

The American competed with his national team during the World Cup, albeit he was limited to just one substitute appearance in the group stage victory over Australia.

But the 28-year-old also helped the Sky Blues gain automatic promotion to the Premier League last season, contributing 17 goals and one assist for Frank Lampard’s side.

Wright has a contract with the Premier League side until June 2027, which could open the door for his exit as the club may want to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of next season.

And as for the Hammers' overseas options, it’s understood that the aforementioned Diallo could be available for a cut-rate price due to Metz’s relegation from Ligue 1.

The 31-year-old registered four goals and one assist from 25 appearances in the French top flight last season, and was unable to help keep his side at that level.

Haji Wright signing would be ambitious for West Ham

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Haji Wright has definitely earned the chance to play in the Premier League after an impressive Championship campaign for Coventry, so it would be a surprise if he dropped back down to the second tier - unless Frank Lampard doesn't think Wright will get the goals he needs at top flight level.

Therefore, it would be an ambitious move for the Hammers if they were to progress with a move for the USA international, who could be able to take advantage of his contract situation.

There is no doubt that the 28-year-old could help Espírito Santo’s side in their fight for promotion given his performances last season.

But there are no shortage of alternative options being targeted, which supporters will be keen to see as well, with the club yet to make any major moves this window.