West Ham’s reported interest in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney could convince star man Lucas Paqueta, who is expected to be at the centre of heavy transfer speculation this summer, to stay at the club.

As the end of another season draws near, the Hammers are currently sat 7th in the Premier League, pushing for a fourth consecutive year of European football, and are still in the Europa League, with the first leg of their quarter final with Bayer Leverkusen just over two weeks away.

However this season ends, one thing is clear, West Ham need to sign a striker in the summer transfer window. Michail Antonio turns 34 tomorrow, Danny Ings has had a challenging time since joining the club and Divin Mubama is only 19 years old and probably in need of a loan spell to aid his development.

As first reported by Football Insider, West Ham are said to be interested in making a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney. The report suggests that Arsenal are set to withdraw their interest in the England international, whilst Chelsea’s potential issues with financial regulations could leave the door open for David Moyes’ side to make their move for Toney.

Toney would certainly be a statement signing for West Ham, prior to his lengthy ban for breaching the FA’s betting regulations, he scored 20 goals in 33 appearances in the Premier League for Thomas Frank’s side last season. Although signing Toney is unlikely, as the Brentford forward is one of the most in demand players in the Premier League, if the Hammers were to succeed, it could convince Brazil star Lucas Paqueta to commit his future to the club.

Paqueta, who could have joined Manchester City last summer, prior to an FA investigation into the Brazillian for alleged betting breaches, is expected to be subject to heavy transfer speculation come this summer. Recent rumours suggest Manchester City are expected to reignite their interest in the 26 year old.

If West Ham were to pull of a statement signing such as Ivan Toney, it would highlight the club’s ambition to remain in European competition moving forward and could also go a long way in encouraging Paqueta to stay in East London.