West Ham have joined Aston Villa in the race to snap up Valencia striker Hugo Duro, according to Caught Offside.

The website reports that the Hammers are making “serious moves” to secure the 24-year-old’s signature, who has had a good start to the season in La Liga.

Duro joined Valencia from Getafe on loan in the summer of 2021. His initial performances were promising before he struggled after moving to the Mestalla on a permanent basis a year later.

Things improved markedly for the player last season, bagging 13 goals, and he has already hit the back of the net on 2 occasions in 6 outings this campaign.

Lopetegui has identified Duro as a target

Caught Offside claim that head coach Julen Lopetegui has pinpointed the Spaniard as a “major potential asset”, who can provide both goals and a high work rate.

Whether technical director Tim Steidten agrees with that assessment, it remains to be seen. The club have already recruited a striker in recent months, having splashed out £27m on Niclas Fullkrug.

However, the German international has struggled with fitness problems since his arrival at the London Stadium, and it is believed that he won’t return to action until after the next international break.

West Ham would have to pay a sizeable fee

Valencia are reportedly holding out for around €25m (£21m) to €30m (£25m) for Duro, which is a high figure, especially when you consider that the Hammers spent a lot of money in the summer.

The London club may have to balance the books before they bring in any more major signings, and that may give an advantage to Villa if they do choose to make an early move for the player during the January transfer window.

Whether Unai Emery’s side will actually table a bid, though, may depend on the future of Jhon Duran, who has been linked with a transfer away from the Midlands club.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here