Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez will cost West Ham between £30-40million this month as they go all out to sign a new front man, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed West Ham will need to offload players of their own to be able to fund a big-money deal for Gimenez.
Nayef Aguerd, Danny Ings and Said Benrahma could all depart this month if a deal for Gimenez can be agreed.
The forward is in red-hot form for Feyenoord and it is believed there will be lots of other interest in his services this month.
As such, the Eredivisie champions are set to hold out for a fee of between £30-40million for the Mexico international – which would represent a club-record sale for the Rotterdam club.
Gianluca Scamacca was allowed to leave the London Stadium last summer without a replacement, meaning West Ham boss David Moyes is now down to the barebones in attack following injuries to Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen.
Mohammed Kudus is away with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations.
Moyes and his recruitment staff are now stepping up their plans to land a new forward this month, and Gimenez has been identified as a priority target.
He has hit 20 goals in 22 games across all competitions this term.
The 24-cap Mexico international, who plays for his country alongside Irons star Edson Alvarez, is under contract with Feyenoord until June 2027.
West Ham sit sixth in the Premier League and are next in top-flight action against Sheffield United on 21 January.