According to reports, West Ham are ready to make a move for Armando Broja if he decides to leave Chelsea this summer.

The Lowdown: Broja profiled

The 20-year-old is an academy product at Stamford Bridge, but spent last season out on loan at Southampton where he established himself as an integral member of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI at St. Mary’s, making 38 appearances in all competitions.

The forward has since returned to the Blues following the expiration of his loan deal on the south coast, where it was expected that he would link up with the squad for the start of their pre-season plans, but that now doesn’t appear to be the case, with the Irons said to be keeping a close eye on developments.

The Latest: West Ham ready to move

In a new article published by Albanian outlet Ola (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Thomas Tuchel has ‘not planned’ to take Broja on Chelsea’s trip, with the player’s representatives having ‘made it clear’ to the German that he must be a part of the team or else he’ll leave the club.

The source states that he has now ‘imposed an ultimatum’ to give him a ‘final answer’ by the end of this week so that he can make a decision on where his next destination will be.

It’s reported that the striker has ‘numerous worshippers’ in the Premier League, with West Ham ‘ready to financially satisfy’ the Blues’ demands, a move that would ‘appeal’ to Broja as he would be able to stay put in the capital, but are set to face competition from rivals Everton who have also ‘entered the race’ for his services.

The Verdict: Competition for Antonio

With deals for both Nayef Aguerd and Alphonse Areola now complete, Moyes could do with turning his attention to bolstering his ranks in the final third, with Michail Antonio the only natural centre-forward that the Scot currently has available for selection.

Broja, who was once described as 'devastating' in front of goal by Albania's assistant manager Sergio Porrini, would be able to provide some strong competition for the Hammers forward, having scored nine goals for the Saints in all competitions last season, and is a much more youthful option that could add some much-needed pace up top.

West Ham are clearly waiting in the wings ready to pounce if this situation changes, and with only one person to fight for his place against, a move to the London Stadium could be a very attractive proposition for the Chelsea man.