West Ham are interested in signing Rodez AF striker Ibrahima Balde, according to reports.

Journalist Abdel Hamed claims that the Hammers are “ready to pay” the 23-year-old’s asking price after entering the race for the player.

Balde has interest from other clubs, including Rangers, Nice, Auxerre and Lorient, and the attention he is receiving is not a surprise.

The Frenchman has found the back of the net 5 times in just 4 Ligue 2 matches so far this season.

How much would West Ham need to pay?

Reports suggest that Rodez are holding out for around £2.5m, which isn’t a huge amount for a player who possesses a great deal of potential.

Of course, competition for Balde could increase the price, and a lot will also hinge on which club is the quickest to agree personal terms before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.

West Ham’s Director of Player Recruitment Nils Koppen has plenty of other plates spinning as the club look to strengthen the first-team squad, so you wonder how much focus he will place on recruiting Balde, especially as the Irons have already recruited Joel Piroe to strengthen the front line.

Balde is one of several targets

It is believed that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are trying to bring in at least a centre-half and a left-back ahead of the deadline.

Nottingham Forest’s Morato (who Nuno has worked with before) is the top priority to strengthen the middle of defence. Wolves’ Ladislav Krejci was seen as a potential alternative, but that deal has collapsed, with the Czech international not keen on staying in the Championship. A move for Everton’s Michael Keane could, however, still be explored too.

In terms of left-backs, an attempt was made to sign Hull City’s Ryan Giles on loan, but he is now expected to stay at the MKM Stadium.

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