West Ham are preparing a formal opening bid to sign Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen

West Ham United are preparing a formal opening bid to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, according to reports The Guardian.

The Norwegian forward enjoyed a stellar debut season last season after joining from Celta Vigo, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists in 38 appearances for the West Midlands side.

His form sparked widespread interest last summer as Wolves rejected several approaches from several clubs, including Newcastle United, who were reported to have made a substantial bid for the centre-forward.

However, his form has dropped dramatically this season, with two of his three goals in all competitions coming in the Carabao Cup, and his only Premier League goal coming from the penalty spot in Wolves’ home defeat to Burnley in October.

With Rob Edwards’ side lacking a single Premier League win this season, the threat of relegation and Strand Larsen’s dwindling form, there is growing belief that the club could soften their stance to allow him to leave amid interest from West Ham.

Now, according to The Guardian’s Jacob SteinbergNuno Espirito Santo needs reinforcements for his January attack and has identified Strand Larsen as a ‘priority target’.

Formal offer

As a result, West Ham are now preparing to submit an official opening bid for the Norway international’s potential transfer to the London Stadium, the report said.

Having only signed a permanent deal in July last summer and extending his contract two months later until 2030 with the option of a further year, the report claims that Wolves will demand a fee of up to £40 million to sanction his departure, and it remains to be seen whether the Hammers are willing to meet their demands.

Amid Wolves’ high rating, The Guardian adds that the east Londoners are also eyeing Coventry City’s attacking duo Ellis Simms and Haji Wright, while Viktoria Plzen centre-forward Rafiu Durosinmi is another option the club is monitoring, although Nuno is in favor of a move for Premier League-proven strikers.

West Ham ended a run of three consecutive Premier League defeats with a pulsating 2-2 draw against Brighton in a match that saw drama in both penalty areas. However, they remain firmly in the relegation zone and will need sufficient reinforcement to put up a strong fight for survival.