West Ham face a testing summer ahead as they seek to improve their squad and fight back from what has been a disappointing maiden campaign at the London Stadium, with a new striker likely to be top of their wish-list.

The Hammers’ attacking ranks have been severely depleted by poor form and injury issues this season, which means that Slaven Bilic’s side are likely to bring in more than one forward during the close-season; with a top-target being Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe.

Sealing a move for the experienced striker would add a huge boost to the squad but the Hammers can’t afford to rest on their laurels and bringing in a younger striker to play alongside Defoe would be the ideal piece of business.

Today, The Daily Mail states West Ham are considering a £20m swoop for Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho this summer and the Nigerian would be a superb piece of business for the Hammers- although persuading Pep Guardiola’s side to sell may be difficult.

Iheanacho’s position at the Etihad Stadium has come under threat following the remarkable breakthrough of Brazilian ace Gabriel Jesus since his arrival in January and the South American is likely to become first-choice at the club.

Sergio Aguero may leave but a top-class replacement could be drafted in, which would leave Iheanacho’s first-team openings looking severely limited- and the Nigerian could push for an exit ahead of the World Cup next summer, where he’ll be desperate to make his nations squad.

City may not agree to a permanent sale immediately but West Ham would benefit hugely from a loan deal, which would work out for all three parties as the Hammers would get the striker they need, Iheanacho would get the football he wants and Manchester City would be able to assess his suitability for the future.

If Iheanacho was to leave next summer, West Ham could put themselves at the front of the queue by negotiating a loan deal with an option to buy permanently next summer- with the 20-year-old potentially being the hero West Ham need.

In limited openings this season, Iheanacho has secured a return of seven goals and he could easily hit double figures with West Ham next season- and a partnership alongside Defoe could see the Hammers hand themselves around 30 goals a season.

Learning from an experienced Premier League forward like Defoe would also be perfect for Iheanacho’s development, helping the young Nigerian become the top-class striker that he has the capability of becoming in the years ahead.