Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth has vowed to do all he can to keep West Ham target Serhou Guirassy at the club.

The Hammers, Manchester United and Newcastle are all believed to be keen on signing the Guinean international when the January transfer window opens but Wohlgemuth is counting on the goodwill of the player so he remains at the club until the summer:

“The arguments that speak for us actually weigh even more heavily. He feels how the fans love him. He feels how the team needs him. And he also feels how everyone wishes that he stays here with us.”

“He’s a highly decent guy and that doesn’t leave him cold. So, we do everything that is in our hands and it will certainly not fail for us.”

Guirassy’s future is out of Stuttgart’s hands

Wolhgemuth is clearly keen to retain the striker’s services, which is not surprising considering he has scored 18 goals in only 14 appearances this season.

However, Guirassy has a release clause in his contract, so the final decision will be down to the player, rather than his club. Teams can reportedly sign him if they pay a fee in the region of €20m (£17m).

West Ham are in the market for a new No.9

With Michail Antonio sidelined with a knee injury, and Danny Ings having struggled for form since moving to the London Stadium, manager David Moyes is expected to strengthen his options up front next month.

Guirassy is not the only forward under consideration though. RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner, Chelsea’s Armando Broja, Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike have also been linked with the Irons.

Currently, it is not known which of these is the top target but Guirassy would be a good bet due to his outstanding form and low price tag.