West Ham United are 'leading the race' to sign Watford forward Ismaila Sarr as David Moyes gears up for the 2022/23 Premier League season, according to reports.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye new forward...

It is reliably believed that the east Londoners have closed in on their first major signing of the summer window as Rennes star Nayef Aguerd puts pen to paper on a move, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Amid this development, it is also claimed that a permanent deal for West Ham loanee Alphonse Areola is 'being worked on' (Sky Sports), as Moyes and co apparently get moving behind the scenes.

A new forward is also said to be on the agenda, with club insider ExWHUemployee even backing links to Hornets winger Sarr. The Irons are apparently set to formalise their interest soon, with journalist Daniel Moroney now sharing another promising update.

The Latest: West Ham in pole position for Sarr...

The reporter, who covers Watford news for the likes of Back Page Football and Off The Ball, has claimed that Moyes and co are 'leading the race' to sign the Senegal international, as per his Twitter profile.

Moroney added that La Liga club Sevilla are also said to be 'monitoring' Sarr but could be put off by Watford's potential asking price.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 24-year-old, who had an asking price of £80m last August according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth (via Daily Express), could come as a real attacking upgrade for Moyes.

As per WhoScored, Sarr finished 2021/22 as one of Watford's most threatening players, having averaged the joint-most attempts at goal per 90 minutes alongside team-mates Emmanuel Dennis and Juraj Kucka.

Former England international Ben Foster raved over the African late last year, branding Sarr 'frightening' and 'phenomenal', and Watford's relegation to the Championship could mean it is unlikely that they will be in a position to demand extortionate fees for the player.

In other news: 'It's likely' - Sky Sports journalist says West Ham agreement is 'being worked on' alongside Aguerd... find out more here