ASTON VILLA striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as an ambitious target for top-six chasing West Ham.
Hammers boss David Moyes is desperate to add competition for Michail Antonio this summer having failed to do so in January.
Former Bees striker Watkins, 26, fits the profile for the kind of established player Moyes wants to add this summer but Aston Villa have grand ambitions themselves and are reluctant to sell.
The England centre-forward has 26 goals in 72 games for Villa since his then club-record £28million move from Brentford two years ago.
Moyes is exploring a number of options this summer with centre-forward a priority having missed out on Benfica's Darwin Nunez and Atalanta's Duvan Zapata on deadline day during the last window.
Chelsea striker Armando Broja, who has impressed on loan at Southampton, is well liked at the London Stadium while Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah has been linked.
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A number of clubs – including the Saints – are keen on a move for Broja and eagerly awaiting the completion of Todd Boehly's takeover, when Chelsea will be able to sell players once more.
West Ham's squad was stretched to the limit during their run to the semi-finals of the Europa League this season, though they still have a shot at a top six finish.
The Hammers are three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United and have a game in hand on the Red Devils.
If they are to stay at this level in the years ahead, Moyes knows the squad needs addressing this summer.
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Antonio, 32, has been West Ham's only senior striker since the sale of Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January 2021 and despite a flying start to the season has scored just four goals in all competitions in 2022.
Centre-back is also an area in need of strengthening once the window opens.
Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall is a target but the Hammers face competition from Premier League rivals Wolves.
The defender, a boyhood Forest fan, may also opt to stay put at the City Ground should Steve Cooper's side reach the Premier League via the play-offs.
West Ham are also looking to add in central midfield and at left-back.
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