West Ham United have set their sights on Adam Hlozek, with Sparta Prague demanding a sum of £16-20 million for the 19-year-old striker.
According to Football Insider, West Ham United has lodged an enquiry with Sparta Prague about Adam Hlozek, as they look to sign a new forward in the January window. Although he faces stiff competition for the Czech star, David Moyes wants to bring a reliable backup to Michail Antonio.
In recent seasons, Adam Hlozek has been gradually confirming his status as one of the most sought-after young stars in Czech football. Having played a sizeable number of games for Sparta Prague, the striker might be tempted to level up with a move abroad.
He has featured in over 130 games for Sparta, scoring 33 goals and assisting a further 33 during that period. His all-round forward play has been attracting the interest of some Premier League and European clubs, who view him as a viable option to be signed in the January window, with his club open to a sale for the right price.
West Ham United are keen on bringing a forward player as a backup to the main striker Michail Antonio. Moyes does not want to disturb the balance of his side and wants someone who can be relied upon to be the second choice.
In the absence of a natural backup for Antonio, Moyes has occasionally turned to Jarrod Bowen to play through the middle. However, the manager remains wants to dip into the market for an external solution.
Hzolek is certainly an option, although the Hammers face intense competition from fellow Premier League sides. There is interest from German sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who are prepared to make an offer in the January window.
West Ham were initially thinking about a loan move for the 19-year-old forward, although Sparta are looking for a transfer fee to make an outright sale. The Czech side want at least £16-20 million to make the transfer, and the east London giants might pay up to wrap the move early in the window and move on with the season.
It remains to be seen if Hzolek will be tempted to move to London and play for West Ham. The Premier League side can offer him Europa League football, while gradually integrating him into the Premier League with some decent game time in the second half of the season.
