Sam Allardyce is looking for a striker. The West Ham manager has been searching high and wide for a front man to boost the club’s chances of Premier League survival, and he may be about to bring in a future star.
Having failed in a £5m bid to tempt Grand Holt away from Carrow Road, Allardyce is reportedly changing tact, looking further afield to bolster his squad ahead of a tough upcoming campaign where they are among the favourites in the betfair betting to go back down.
His scouting network has reached Denmark, with FC Copenhagen striker Dame N’Doye the target. Allardyce may also be interested in the loan move of Andy Carroll, but a permanent signing of the unknown N’Doye may just be what West Ham need.
For N’Doye is the unrecognised third wheel in the Senegal national side’s impervious attacking force. While Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba thrilled Premier League viewers last season, N’Doye was steadily plying his trade in the Danish Superliga, bagging 18 goals in 30 games.
The 26-year-old has both the physical and mental attributes needed for West Ham. He holds the ball well as the main striker, out-muscles defenders and can find the net from anywhere. His strength and determination caused Barcelona’s defence problems in the 2010/11 Champions League, the striker a crossbar away from equalising at the Nou Camp.
His football brain will appease the Upton Park faithful determined to see their side play the ‘West Ham way’, while his heading ability will keep him in Allardyce’s starting XI.
N’Doye wears a gum shield when playing for FC Copenhagen, and what he lacks in personality and charisma off the field he more than makes up for with steely grit and determination on it. For around £6m, N’Doye could be the Hammers’ signing of the summer and I would bet on premier league safety being secured a whole lot easier with him in the side.
