Things are slowly falling into place for West Ham United, both on and off the field. Not only have they started getting wins in the Premier League but they don’t look like chasing unrealistic targets in the transfer season either.
Their last win against Middlesbrough has perfectly put them in the top half of the table where they sit with 28 points from 22 games and are very much in the race for a Europa League qualification spot. And quite surprisingly, things started to look better after Dimitri Payet handed his transfer request.
With Andy Carroll performing really well, Bilic is seeing his attacking line set and composed for the first time in the last five months and the Croat now wants to bring in someone who could share his burden successfully. While Bilic went after big names last summer, he isn’t making the same mistake this time.
According to Sky Sports, the Hammers are closing in on a move for the much talked about Brentford striker Scott Hogan. Although the news of Payet’s imminent departure from London Stadium has definitely hampered the proceedings, it is expected that the 24-year-old English striker could sign in the next 48 hours.
The striker, who has scored 14 goals in the Championship for the Bees this season, wasn’t included in the side’s 2-1 loss to Wigan Athletic last Saturday. Although Brentford manager Dean Smith stated that he has a slight hamstring issue, we think a move is one the cards. Smith isn’t willing to part ways with his best player in the squad but an offer from West Ham might not leave him with any choice.
Hogan is a popular figure in the Championship side for his unflinching spirit and determination. A horrific injury in August 2014, which resulted in an anterior cruciate ligament tear (in his knee) left him non-functional for long and his then club Rochdale had to release him. He joined non-league side Woodley Sports following that and made an inspiring comeback through the ranks of Woodley Sports, Halifax Town, Mossley and many other clubs before regaining his place in Rochdale from where Brentford picked him up.
Quite surprisingly, the injury hasn’t affected his flair and confidence in any way as he produced the goods whenever he was asked to. Despite not having the best of heights, Hogan’s well-built figure has proved to be quite combative and a match winner in games. West Ham will be getting a huge asset if they manage to land him in London Stadium.
