West Ham United need a striker this summer if they are to step up and take things to the next level. We get it.

However, that does not appear to have stopped the world's media outlets from linking the Hammers with every possible (and feasible) striker that could be available to buy this summer!

Manuel Pellegrini's side have been linked with a move for Maxi Gomez for god knows how long, Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has been thrown into the hat on a number of occasions, West Bromwich Albion's Salomon Rondon is thought to be in the mix, as is Florian Aye and Moussa Marega.

But, the latest one really takes the biscuit when it comes to reported transfer targets and reeks of sheer desperation should it have any truth to it.

According to a report by Turkish media publication Fotomac (via Sport Witness), West Ham are understood to hold an interest in Mario Balotelli; the one and only!

Now whether that is because Fenerbache are being heavily linked with a move for the soon-to-be free agent this summer and the press are looking to drum up a story involving a Premier League outfit that is known to be needing a striker remains to be seen, however, that's all it should be.

Drama seems to follow the Italian wherever he goes and that is something the London Stadium outfit could do without following Marko Arnautovic's antics in the winter.

Sure, the 28-year-old still has bundles of talent and has shown that he can find the back of the net on a consistent basis (although Liverpool fans would probably disagree). He hit eight goals in his 14 Ligue 1 appearances for Olympique de Marseille in his short stay; although they are said to be looking to extend it further (Fotomac via Sport Witness).

But, he cannot be considered prolific enough for what West Ham currently need to spearhead their attack, whilst there is no guarantee that Pellegrini will be able to tame the beast and get the best out of him regularly and without tempers flying.

If the Hammers are genuinely taking an interest in Balotelli, then it should be that all their other options have been exhausted and they have no chance of signing someone better than him.

West Ham fans, what do you think about Balotelli? Do you think a move for him would reek of desperation? Let us know your thoughts below!