Graham Potter believes it would be logical for West Ham to sign a striker in the January transfer window but hinted strengthening his attacking reinforcements might not be "simple".

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been linked with a move to West Ham this winter, while he is also said to be attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.

Rashford was absent from the United squad again for the FA Cup third round clash with Arsenal last weekend and a resolution to his situation is expected to be agreed this month.

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The academy graduate has not played since facing Viktoria Plzen on December 12. Rashford could leave in search of a fresh challenge at an overseas club, but West Ham have been linked with a shock move for the 27-year-old and they are in the market for a new forward this month.

Michail Antonio has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after a car accident, while Niclas Fullkrug has sustained a hamstring injury, which Potter confirmed was serious.

Rashford wants to join a club that can provide him with the platform to return to the England squad and West Ham could offer the opportunity to stay in the Premier League.

Potter was asked whether it is imperative that West Ham sign a forward this month and said: “I would not say [it is] imperative. Obviously with the situation with Mic [Antonio] as well, there is certainly a logical rational to do something. But it is not quite as simple as that.

"I would not want to make the wrong decision or do something for the sake of it just because there is a need, especially in this window, which is complicated. We've got some attacking options and there are players coming back, so my focus at the moment is on the team."

Potter provided an injury update on Fullkrug and added: “Fair to say it is a significant one. When a player pulls up like that, you know that something fairly serious has happened.

"It is still early in terms of full diagnosis but nevertheless a significant one, and a number of weeks. A number of weeks probably leads up to months, yes.”

Rashford was dropped for the Manchester derby last month and was only recalled to the squad for the Newcastle game due to injuries and suspensions weakening Ruben Amorim's options.