West Ham are set to challenge Sunderland for the signature of AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez at the end of the season, according to reports in the Italian media.

Calciomercato.com claim the Mexican, who has scored 93 goals in his senior career, could be available for transfer this summer.

Gimenez has had an injury-ravaged spell at the San Siro, following his move from Feyenoord last year. He was forced to undergo surgery on an ankle injury back in December.

However, the 24-year-old is said to be closing in on a return to fitness. It is believed that his performances in the final few months of the campaign will determine whether he is sold or not.

Do West Ham need another forward?

After splashing out more than £47m on Lazio’s Taty Castellanos and Gil Vicente’s Pablo, it would be a surprise if a new striker is a top priority for the summer transfer window.

However, a swap deal with Niclas Fullkrug could come under consideration. The German is on loan at Milan, but there is no purchase option included in the agreement.

Fullkrug would be reluctant to return to the London Stadium this summer, so if a deal could be worked out with Gimenez moving in the other direction, it would be seen as a win-win for all parties.

Any transfer would be contingent on Premier League survival

Of course, any speculation about summer transfer targets needs to be placed in the right context. If the Hammers do drop down into the Championship, the focus would be on sales rather than new signings.

Gimenez may be on a list of names that the club are considering as potential targets if they do manage to secure their top flight status between now and May.

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