West Ham are preparing a big-money bid for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, the Guardian say.
It is claimed the Hammers are planning to offer up to £25m for the 24-year-old, who has returned to action following injury.
The Hammers have been tipped to make a move for Wilson following the news that injury-plagued forward Diafra Sakho faces another significant spell on the sidelines.
Sakho had been expected to miss up to four weeks with a thigh injury he picked up during Sunday’s draw against Manchester United.
However, following the results of a scan, the Senegal international is likely to be unavailable for up to six weeks.
The Guardian say Wilson has emerged as West Ham boss Slaven Bilic’s top priority ahead of the transfer window.
The newspaper adds that Bournemouth are likely to be reluctant to let him go, citing comments by Cherries boss Eddie Howe when Wilson was recently linked with a potential move to Newcastle.
“It has got no relevance to us. Not to the football club or to Callum. There’s no substance to the story,” Howe said.
“The only time that will influence him is if he believes it or reads it himself. And I would encourage my players to just concentrate on their day-to-day job.”
Wilson, who has also previously been linked with Tottenham, signed a new four-year contract during the summer.