Hammers eye Dia as Haller replacement

Visar Musliu (R) of MOL Fehervar and Boulaye Dia of Reims fight for the ball

Sunday Jan 17, 2021. 13:00

West Ham United have reportedly identified Boulaye Dia as a possible replacement for Sabastien Haller.

According to Eurosport, the Hammers have contacted Stade Reims over the availability of the Senegal international.

Dia, 24, has scored 12 goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season, including a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Montpellier earlier this season.

West Ham are reportedly ready to match Reims’ £15 million asking price for Dia who is the joint-leading goalscorer in France’s top-flight this season.

The east London club are desperate to bring in another forward in the January transfer window following Haller’s departure, which has left Michail Antonio, who played much of his career in midfield, as the only recognized striker in their first team squad.

Ivory Coast international, Haller, completed a move to Dutch Eredivisie giants Ajax Amsterdam earlier this month.

West Ham moved up to ninth on the Premier League standings with a 1-0 win over Burnley on Saturday. They next face West Brom at London Stadium on Tuesday.