Tuesday 22 March 2016 00:01, UK
West Ham have identified Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi and Alexandre Lacazette as priority transfer targets as they chase one of Europe's top centre-forwards this summer, Sky sources understand.
The Hammers are on course to finish in a European qualification spot and could even claim a Champions League place, and they believe they are in a position to attract the best talent.
The club have earmarked Marseille's Batshuayi, Liverpool's Benteke and Lyon's Lacazette, and sources in France have told Sky Sports News HQ they are prepared to pay as much as £40m to land one of these players.
Benteke has struggled to nail down a first-team place at Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp's arrival and his future at Anfield remains uncertain.
The Belgium international has not started a Premier League game since January 2 against West Ham and he has scored just once in his last 16 appearances.
Interest Benteke's 22-year-old fellow Belgian Batshuayi, meanwhile, is high, and he would be available for upwards of £30m.
Tottenham, Newcastle, Stoke, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have all made inquiries and, on the back 17 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions this season, he is expected to move on this summer.
France international Lacazette, 24, has scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for Lyon this season.
