West Ham hold a strong interest in Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, it’s been reported by ExWHUEmployee.

The club oversaw a significant summer of player investment, by spending in the region of £100m on new recruits, however the striker situation continues to be an area for which the club have failed to strengthen as Michail Antonio continues to be relied heavily upon.

Antonio is supported by Danny Ings, although the club did spend around £25m on bringing Niclas Fullkrug to the London Stadium, but to-date that move looks to be another one to add to the list of unsuccessful striker transfers – with the currently-injured German international understood to be keen on an exit from east London.

West Ham are now exploring options elsewhere, with ExWHUEmployee reporting that top performing Championship players are being scouted by Tim Stediten and his team.

Ex, who was speaking on The West Ham Way Podcast, has disclosed that Latte Lath is a player that is highly admired – with similarities to Antonio being a factor as we look towards our number 9’s long term successor.

“The club are looking at players domestically, particularly in the Championship, with Emmanuel Latte Lath of Middlesbrough understood to be a player who has caught the eye,” said the club insider.

“Quite rightly, which should have happened already, the club are looking for players who share similar strengths of Michail Antonio, as we need to find his long term successor.

“Latte Lath is someone who is strong, powerful, can run the channels and score goals – it makes perfect sense for the club to explore this.”

The Ivory Coast international though is not the only striker on the clubs radar at present, with Ex also reporting that we hold interest and are scouting Romaine Mundle, Mayenda (both at Sunderland) and Mateo Joseph of Leeds United.

Ex did stress that moves for a new striker are more likely to be part of our summer business at this stage, unless proposals can be made which would work for our January budget restrictions.