West Ham United have formalised their interest in Chelsea striker Armando Broja, as per the Daily Mail's Adrian Kajumba. 

The lowdown

As per the report, the Hammers are looking for a centre-forward who can 'take some of the goalscoring burden' off Michail Antonio.

The Albanian spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Southampton, featuring 38 times and scoring nine goals, while Everton and Newcastle United have also been named as suitors for the 20-year-old.

The latest

As per the Daily Mail, West Ham and GSB had already identified Broja as a target but they have now 'formally registered' their stance.

They have made 'official contact' with Chelsea 'to indicate their desire to sign the Albanian frontman permanently'. Kajumba mentions a potential £30m valuation for the striker, but it all depends on Thomas Tuchel.

The Chelsea manager will run the rule over the returning 20-year-old in pre-season and decide whether to integrate him into the Blues' first team for 2022/23.

The verdict

West Ham may now be invested in the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. That's because Chelsea are considering a move for the wantaway Manchester United icon and, if they sign him, they might be more inclined to let Broja leave.

If not, they may decide to give him a run in the first team, as they did with the likes of Reece James and Mason Mount following loan spells elsewhere.

Broja could be an excellent prospective long-term addition for the Hammers based on the potential he has shown.

He was nominated for the Golden Boy Award in 2021 alongside some of the best young talent in Europe's top five leagues, while Albania national team coach Sergio Porrini has hailed him as a 'devastating' forward.

Hopefully the Irons can turn their formal declaration of interest into an eventual transfer swoop for the 20-year-old.