West Ham United have contacted Liverpool to explore the possibility of a move for Belgian striker Divock Origi late on the transfer deadline day.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool forward Divock Origi has emerged as a transfer target for fellow Premier League club West Ham United on deadline day.
Origi has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the starting lineup at Liverpool despite scoring several important goals for the club over the years. The 26-year-old Belgian has found himself behind Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota in the pecking order, featuring in just three Premier League games. However, he missed a chunk of games since December due to an injury.
With Liverpool now adding Luis Diaz to their attacking unit, Origi is set to fall further below in the order of preference at Anfield. And as per the report, the Reds are ready to part ways with the former LOSC Lille striker before the January transfer window slams shut later on Monday night.
It is claimed that Liverpool would consider loan offers, loan-to-buy deals, and permanent transfer proposals for Origi, who is also attracting interest from Burnley. Now, West Ham United have also entered the fray to sign the Belgian international.
The Hammers are in the market for a new centre-forward as they still lack a proper backup for their main striker, Michail Antonio. A move for Darwin Nunez on the deadline day has been mooted. However, as per the latest updates, Benfica have turned down the east London outfit’s offer for the forward, leaving them to explore other options.
Origi, to that end, has emerged as a viable alternative. The report claims that West Ham have established contact with Liverpool and have asked to be kept in the loop over the 26-year-old’s situation as they consider an eleventh-hour swoop for the striker.
However, he is not the only option that West Ham are considering. Origi’s compatriot and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is also on their radar. With not much time left in the transfer window, the Hammers will need to act swiftly to bring in a new striker or risk going through the rest of the campaign with Antonio as their only natural option in the No. 9 position.
