West Ham in talks over Niclas Fullkrug deal as striker transfer push takes new twist

West Ham have entered talks over a possible deal to sign Borussia Dortmund and Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug.

The 31-year-old scored twice for his country at Euro 2024 and is now a leading contender to join the Hammers ahead of Julen Lopetegui’s first campaign as manager.

West Ham retain interest in Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, but a £35million bid was rejected despite an agreement over personal terms. Duran is hopeful of leaving Villa this summer in search of more game time but has now seen potential moves to both Chelsea and West Ham stall.

The Hammers have therefore turned their attention to other targets and Standard Sport understands they have entered talks over a possible deal for Fullkrug.

Fullkrug joined Dortmund for £12.6m last August after four years at Werder Bremen and scored 16 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for BVB last term.

West Ham intend to bolster their striking options this summer, having already paid £40m to sign Wolves centre-back Max Kilman and spent around £25.5m on teenage Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras as well as bringing in free agent goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

Fullkrug has now emerged as a genuine option up front for West Ham, whose only registered strikers in their first-team squad right now are Michail Antonio and Danny Ings.

Follow the latest transfer news and rumours LIVE

Fullkrug scored the winner on his Germany debut in a friendly against Oman in November 2022 and has since netted 13 times in 21 total senior caps.