West Ham United are in talks to sign former Southampton striker Graziano Pelle, sources close to the club have told ESPN FC.
Pelle is currently plying his trade in China with Shandong Luneng after joining the Chinese Super League club from Southampton in 2016. The 32-year-old impressed in the Premier League during his two seasons with the Saints, scoring 30 goals during his time on the South Coast.
West Ham are in the market for a new striker before the transfer window closes this week and Pelle has emerged as a top target. David Moyes is currently without the injured Andy Carroll, who could be ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ankle problem.
Meanwhile, Diafra Sakho has completed a permanent switch to Rennes on a two-and-a-half year deal, leaving Moyes short of attacking options as the Hammers battle to avoid relegation.
[#MercatoSRFC] 📃🖊 Le #StadeRennais FC est heureux d'annoncer la signature de @iamdiafrasakho ! #BienvenueDiafra ➡ https://t.co/VJyzN1y38Y pic.twitter.com/uOSIFhUg7v
— Stade Rennais F.C. (@staderennais) January 29, 2018
West Ham have already signed Portugal international Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan this month and they are hoping to add Pelle to their ranks before Wednesday's transfer deadline.
The Italy international's wages could be an issue, however, with Pelle earning £1 million a month in China.