West Ham are looking towards Eastern Europe to bolster their options up front with Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike catching the Hammers' eye according to Russian daily,Izvestia.
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The London club have just two established forwards in their line-up at present – in Andy Carroll and Modibo Maiga having released Carlton Cole at the end of the season.
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Emenike has emerged as a likely option, especially given that he somehow managed five goals in 16 league games in an injury-ridden season in 2012/13.
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Indeed, in the new season, the Nigeria international has already played a super-sub role to bag two goals in as many games.
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And that has given enough cause for West Ham to contact Spartak in hopes of giving the 26-year-old a better platform to showcase his talents.
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It is understood that West Ham are preparing a formal offer for Emenike, whose contract at Spartak lasts until 2016.
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However, former Spartak midfielder Valery Kechinov believes the move would leave his old club with many problems, even if he does admit the Premier League would be better for Emenike personally.
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"Emmanuel Emenike is unquestionably the leader in attack",Kechinov told Izvestia."The rest of the attacking line is noticeably inferior to the Nigerian.
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"The English game is above that of the Russian level, and there are more opportunities for the development of any player.
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"However,[Spartak] should not sell Emenike. He is in good shape,and brings real benefits for the club. His departure could have a negative impact on the team."
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Emenike's talents were on full display earlier this year when he emerged as the leading scorer in the African Cup of Nations with four goals,helping Nigeria to the title in the process.
Emmanuel Emenike is just a wonderful player anytime anyday for the Super Eagles of Nigeria so he would do well in West Ham.