Former Premier League manager Alex McLeish has delivered his verdict on the  attacking options now available to David Moyes at West Ham United. 

The lowdown: Scamacca signs

Following the sale of Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January 2021, the Hammers failed to sign a replacement centre-forward in three transfer windows.

That attacking transfer hiatus left talismanic forward Michail Antonio as the only natural senior striker at Moyes' disposal, backed up by Andriy Yarmolenko and Jarrod Bowen both playing out of position at times in a central role.

However, following the recent £35.5m capture of giant Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo (Sky Sports), the 59-year-old can rely on an alternative source who has impressed at least one pundit during pre-season

The latest: 'Great bit of recruitment'

Speaking to Football Insider, former Aston Villa boss McLeish claimed that the seven-cap Italy marksman could be the perfect foil for Antonio at West Ham.

The Sky Sports contributor said: “I watched West Ham v Rangers in person a few weeks ago and Antonio still has tremendous ability to beat defenders, he is so quick.

“Scamacca is a player that I have seen a wee bit of in the Italian football during the season, it looks like a great bit of recruitment.

“Italian strikers are always pretty knowledgable about the game, they are intelligent footballers. It’s a long time since West Ham have bought a striker now they have two brilliant options and I am looking forward to seeing him in a Hammers shirt.”

The verdict: More to follow?

Seemingly not content with the two impressive candidates to lead the line in east London, the Irons have been extensively linked with a move for Arnaud Kalimuendo and Amine Gouiri since landing the towering Italian.

Predominantly utilising a 4-2-3-1 system during his second stint at the helm at West Ham, a formation also preferred at Sassuolo and therefore likely to make any adaptation period a smooth one for Scamacca, Moyes may look to opt for more attack-minded setups as and when the time arises.

With European football back on the agenda at the London Stadium in 2022/23 in the shape of the Europa Conference League, the squad needs to be assembled to cope with the rigours of another gruelling campaign, which will also encompass the World Cup later this year.

Although it remains to be seen whether Antonio or Scamacca will start the season as first-choice, or indeed operate together, adding another attacking option who is capable of playing in central areas would be a welcome move from Rob Newman and GSB if possible.