Insider: West Ham in race to sign A-list striker whose 'price is fairly low'

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West Ham have entered the race to sign Roma striker Tammy Abraham in the summer transfer window, according to their former senior scout.

Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout for Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected within the game, exclusively told Football Insider that scouts have been keeping an eye on his performances in Italy.

The 27-year-old is widely expected to leave Roma, inspiring interest from a number of clubs who are interested in bringing him back to the Premier League.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 4 March that Leeds want to sign Abraham if they achieve promotion to the Premier League this season.

Everton have also been eyeing the Roma striker, and West Ham have now emerged as new contenders for his signature as he is no longer a part of the Italian outfit’s plans.

Brown explained that Abraham is expected to be available for a relatively low price and his availability has made him a leading target for the Hammers.

West Ham plot Tammy Abraham deal after Roma scouting mission

Football Insider revealed in August that West Ham wanted to sign Abraham and had added him to their list of options as they looked to sign a new striker.

Brown, who worked with Abraham during his time as a senior scout at Aston Villa and has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment, insisted that the Hammers’ interest has lingered and they will now make a decision about a move.

“There isn’t an abundance of strikers out there,” he told Football Insider.

“They have to be firstly good enough for West Ham, and secondly, available.

“Then, people like Abraham come along and it’s up to the scouts to make their judgements.

“When we took him at Villa, he scored 26 goals and got us promoted.

“He’s got a lot of frustrating elements to his game, but he’s got plenty of positives too.

“He’s a bit like Ollie Watkins in that he wants to play on the shoulder of the defender and he’s always prepared to run in behind and drift across the forward line.

“He gives defenders plenty of problems, and because of his size, he causes all sorts of issues.

“But if he gets a good chance, he’s just as likely to miss it as he is to score, he’s a bit inconsistent and I don’t know whether he’s ironed that out yet.

“He’s been over to Italy, worked on his game, and he’s definitely somebody who could come into this West Ham team and make a difference.

“Their scouts have been watching him and they’ll have the answers to the questions I raised before.

“Then, it will be up to them to decide whether he’s one they’re going to make a move.

“Given his availability, price tag which I expect will be fairly low, and possible role in the side, I think he’s one they could go for.”

Graham Potter eyes Angel Gomes deal ahead of summer spending

Alongside their ambitions to sign a new striker, West Ham are putting plans in place to back Graham Potter and strengthen the squad all over the pitch.

Football Insider revealed on 11 March that West Ham want to sign Angel Gomes upon the expiry of his contract at Lille which is currently set to run until June.

Tottenham are among the sides keen on Gomes with a host of Premier League clubs set to make a move for the midfield star following his breakthrough with England's senior side.

The London-born midfielder is believed to been keen on a return to the Premier League after leaving Man United to join Lille in 2020.

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