Moussa Marega ‘no longer plans to return to Porto’ as West Ham given green light over transfer of Mali forward

WEST HAM are close to ending their search for a top class new striker as they stand on the verge of signing Moussa Marega, it has been claimed.

The Hammers are desperately looking to bring in someone who can provide the cutting edge to the squad they are piecing together at the London Stadium.

Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez were both released at the end of last season, leaving only Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez available to Manuel Pellegrini.

And Mali international Marega is one of the players the Premier League club have been tracking after making a major impact with Porto.

The 28-year-old had been targeted by the Hammers 12 months ago but the club were unable to persuade the Portuguese club to strike a deal.

But claims Marega has an agreement in place with his club which will allow him to finally leave this time round.

And they suggest that the forward will not be returning to the club after he finishes on duty at the Africa Cup of Nations - and will instead be making the move to West Ham.

A fee of £31million has been touted as the price the Hammers have agreed to pay for the player who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season.

Marega impressed both in domestic and Champions League matches for Porto and would bring obvious quality if he did move to the London Stadium.

But the club have also been looking elsewhere for forwards over the close season, with Salomon Rondon one option.

The Venezualan is looking to secure a move away from West Brom after a successful loan season at Newcastle, and the Hammers are keen.

But while he offers excellent ability to lead the line, he does not come with a prolific record for scoring goals.

That is an area West Ham need to improve on, particularly now they have a creative looking midfield boasting Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and new signing Pablo Fornals.