West Ham United are reportedly battling Leeds United for the signing of USMNT striker Daryl Dike, who plays for MLS outfit Orlando City.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, West Ham United have joined Leeds United in the race to sign Daryl Dike from MLS club Orlando City in the January transfer window.
Having come through the youth ranks at Oklahoma Energy FC, Dike spent time with the Virginia Cavaliers before signing for Orlando City in January 2020. The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut year at the club before arriving in England in February earlier this year, when he joined EFL Championship club Barnsley on loan.
The USMNT striker had a solid spell with the Tykes helping them to the promotion playoffs, as he netted nine goals from 22 games. After returning to Orlando City in the summer, Dike has continued to enhance his reputation with some impressive displays, finishing with ten goals from 18 appearances in the MLS.
Dike’s exploits over the past 12 months have now led to strong interest in his services from clubs in the Premier League and the Championship. Leeds United have taken a liking towards the 21-year-old USMNT international as they look to bolster their attacking unit ahead of the second half of the season.
The Whites have been plagued with injury issues across the pitch, with the main striker Patrick Bamford also among the casualties for manager Marcelo Bielsa. His absence has hurt the team big time, with none of the other attackers stepping up and delivering the goods in the final third.
So, it becomes imperative that Leeds sign a new centre-forward to help them push away from the drop zone, making Dike a viable target. However, the Yorkshire-based outfit will battle with league rivals West Ham United for his signing.
The Hammers are enjoying a fine season, as they find themselves in the race for a top-four finish while they have progressed to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League as well. Hence, manager David Moyes hopes to add more options to his attacking unit, with there being a lack of cover for Michail Antonio in the No. 9 role.
The east London outfit have been linked with several strikers such as Gabriel Barbosa and Jonathan David, among others, with Dike also now emerging as a target for West Ham. Apart from West Ham and Leeds, the likes of Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion are also monitoring the eight-time capped United States international. It remains to be seen who ends up signing the 21-year-old next month.