West Ham United are expected to head into the January transfer market this winter to improve their options in the striking department.
The Hammers currently have Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll all available at the moment, but it is believed Manuel Pellegrini wants to add further depth to his ranks.
The teenager is thought to be one of the most promising strikers in the game at the moment and has attracted plenty of interest from a number of Premier League sides.
The likes of Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion are thought to have taken note, along with Aston Villa, of the 17-year-old who had netted 61 goals at the youth level last season for the League One outfit and sent scouts to watch him in midweek.
The Verdict:
Kelman is certainly an exciting prospect at the moment and could thrive at West Ham’s famed academy that has produced a number of big names in the past.
The striker would cost a rather nominal fee if they did try and sign him, as Southend would only be entitled to compensation for their training costs of the American Under-18 international squad member.
And, West Ham could have an advantage in signing Kelman, as they are closely based to where he is currently situated in the UK.
However, he is not an addition that would immediately improve them, which if that is what Pellegrini wants to do this winter, then he will need to look further afield.
West Ham fans – thoughts?