West Ham United Chase Fresh EFL Striker Target

Hammer Identify Yet Another Striker Target

West Ham United's striker search going into this January window has been heavily covered already, with Niclas Fullkrug set to depart the club for Milan at the end of the window as the German striker looks to end his struggles at the London Stadium.

The likes of Coventry striker Haji Wright, Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti and plenty more have all been suggested as potential names making their way over to London during the winter window, with The Hammers' striking options less-Fullkrug involving just an aging Callum Wilson and academy graduate Callum Marshall, as well as Jarrod Bowen who is more comfortable on the right flank.

Suitably, with Fullkrug set to leave, West Ham are looking desperate to finally find a successful striker to lead the line for them, and they have turned back to the EFL Championship in search of their newest recruit this winter.

Swansea Star Linked with London Switch

Despite only having joined them a year-and-a-half ago, Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik is reportedly the next target lined up by West Ham amidst their ongoing striker search, according to Sam Cohen.

West Ham United have reportedly enquired about Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik (23) ahead of the January transfer window ❄️ Via | @SamC_reports

Two Serie A clubs are also reportedly interested in the attacker and are more advanced in the race 🇮🇹 #Swans | #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/usEqWIXEha

— eflpublished (@eflpublished) December 18, 2025

Vipotnik, 23, has scored eight league goals with a further assist from his 19 EFL Chamionship appearances this season, already bettering his season-long total of seven goals in his maiden campaign from 42 showings (24 starts).

As of right now, the interest generated from West Ham starts and ends with just an enquiry into his availability and cost, and Nuno Espirito Santo's side are expected to face competition from two un-named Serie A sides if they are to go in for the Slovenian's signature this January.

Serie A Sides Lead Race for Vipotnik

Whilst West Ham have only reached the enquiry stage of the negotiations, Cohen reports that two un-named Seria A sides have gone further ahead in the race towards a potential move. Sources explain that their interest in the player is more concrete with both sides keeping a close eye on the striker amidst a decision on whether or not to advance their plans.

If Vipotnik leaves I do not blame him one bit. The club have not backed him at all. Tried to get rid in the summer even though he'd shown how game he was with his weight loss and then wasted £6m on a replacement that they've tried starting ahead of him https://t.co/eMz2zq75vj

— Jordan Moroccan (@jordanmorcom) December 19, 2025

Neither of the two Italian clubs have submitted a bid as of yet. However, they are further along in their internal evaluations than West Ham are - The Hammers are yet to decide whether they wish to follow in on their initial contact or not.

Vipotnik Almost Left Swansea Already

Last year also saw movement around Vipotnik's name. Over the summer window, he edged close to joining Slovan Bratislava with the deal moving to the point of likely completion.

However, in the final hour, the move collapsed which left Vipotnik plying his trade in the English leagues again for the new season. That deal, though failed, has now become part of the reason clubs are tracking his availability, with ears pricked over his potential willingness to leave for clubs in need of a forward.