West Ham making a big push to sign Jonathan David | OneFootball

West Ham signed a big-name striker with a Champions League and European Championship pedigree last summer, but former Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen No. 9 Niclas Fullkrug has turned out to be a massive flop due to recurring injuries.

The Hammers added one of the Premier League's best young strikers, Evan Ferguson, on loan from Brighton this winter in response to Fullkrug's inability get on the pitch, but Ferguson himself is having fitness issues.

West Ham need to sign a young, reliable No. 9 who can capably replace Michail Antonio and be the full-time solution up top, with Antonio being a key veteran backup. The pickings are slim, especially for a Hammers side that has more ambition than their current clout can manage on the market, as not many top strikers will want to join a team toiling in the bottom half over the table - and if they were, they'd likely be able to get paid more by Tottenham or Manchester United.

West Ham submitted a big offer for Jonathan David

But West Ham aren't giving up the fight. Jonathan David will be the best free agent striker available on the transfer market, and the 25-year-old is a rare case of a consistent 15-goal forward with a good all-around game being available before his prime on the open market.

According to a report from Diario Sport's L. Miguelsanz have submitted an "irresistible" wage offer to David in preparation for his availability in free agency this summer, hoping to keep up with the likes of Barcelona as Europe's elite make their courtship for the Canadian star from Lille. Interestingly enough, Diario Sport say that Barcelona aren't as interested in David anymore.

David would be a slam-dunk signing and upgrade to the West Ham attack, providing a key box presence with proven finishing chops, as well as the ability to help Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville nab goals of their own from the wings.

Per the report, David is expected to make his final decision before the end of April, so West Ham and other clubs are rapidly approaching the final phases of negotiations. West Ham can lure David with the opportunity to be a very important player and an every-game starter in London with a huge salary. But it's up to David to choose what he wants, because he is going to have competitive offers, including, presumably, from Premier League rivals positioned higher in the table.

At the end of the day, though, it is a positive that West Ham are serious about signing a top striker who is well under the age of 30, as opposed to their previous transfer business that has undeniably blown up spectacularly in their faces.