West Ham have a “real chance of nicking” a top Premier League player if his move abroad doesn’t go through.

West Ham have needed a striker who can score consistently for years now, but never have they been so desperate for one. Not only has Niclas Fullkrug been underperforming since joining, but he’s sustained yet another long-term injury, while Michail Antonio is expected to be sidelined for the season, with it remaining to be seen whether or not he will be able to even play in the Premier League when he returns.

This desperation has led them to be linked with a whole host of forwards, but one of the more exciting names has been that of Marcus Rashford.

Although his form has been poor for Manchester United, that could be purely down to the awful state the club is in.

While it is expected he will go abroad, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes there’s every chance he could still move to East London. “Watch this space is what I’ll say on that one,” he exclaimed to football insider.

“Manchester United would ideally like to explore their options outside of the Premier League. They could well end up with egg on the face because he’s a top player and we know the potential that he can reach.”

“There is nothing to say that Marcus Rashford couldn’t go into another Premier League side and score 15, 20 goals before now on the end of the season because he’s that type of player, he could do that.”

“If he goes to Serie A, the Bundesliga or elsewhere, then maybe not so apparent that he’s in everybody’s face there, he carries a huge salary. We know there’s a huge financial obligation when it comes with Marcus Rashford. We know that his representatives are scouring Europe.”

“If we get to that last weekend before February and there’s no deal in place and there’s no set destination for Marcus Rashford, then don’t rule out West Ham. [They have a] real chance of nicking him.”

Although he’s only scored 11 league goals since the start of last season, he’s done so with limited playing time at the most toxic club in the league. If there’s a way to get around the financial burden signing him on loan would bring, it could be the best option the our Irons have. It’s certainly a risky move, but the potential benefits are astronomical as he is the type of player that could single handedly turn this season around.