Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has dropped a behind the scenes West Ham United update involving Borussia Monchengladbach striker Alassane Plea.

The Lowdown: West Ham in forward hunt?

At the beginning of this transfer window, club insider Claret & Hugh tipped the striker position as a real priority for manager David Moyes this summer alongside the acquisition of a centre-half and Jesse Lingard.

Two weeks of the summer now remain as August 31 fast approaches and West Ham have still been unable to land a new forward as back up to Michail Antonio.

Moyes has been scouring the market for a centre-forward since January, with the Scotsman even confirming bids for the likes of Youssef En-Nesyri.

Now, ExWHUemployee has dropped a behind-scenes claim involving Plea - coming after links emerged to the forward.

The Latest: Ex drops Plea claim...

As per the reliable club source, sharing information on his Patreon, West Ham were offered the chance to sign Plea this summer with agents making an approach behind the scenes.

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A target in previous windows, as claimed by Ex, representatives of the Frenchman gifted Moyes and co the chance to sign him for just £15 million from Monchengladbach.

ExWHUemployee goes on to say that, while he was been watched recently, West Ham have decided not to take those agents up on the Plea offer as it stands as he is a 'previous target' who the club do not wish to explore.

Indeed, the insider has appeared to refute claims that he is currently a target.

The Verdict: Right call?

Scoring a career total 86 goals so far since making his Lyon debut way back in 2012/2013, we believe the Irons have made a just call in not signing Plea as Antonio's alternative.

He hasn't scored on a prolific basis since the 2019/2020 season when he bagged 10 goals and 10 assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances (Transfermarkt).

Indeed, since the end of that campaign, Plea has managed just seven goals in 30 league appearances - potentially highlighting he is not exactly what West Ham need.

That being said, under a fortnight of the window remains so Moyes needs to decide on his ultimate striker target as soon as possible or concede to waiting until January.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter believes West Ham could swoop for 'phenomenal' attacker before deadline day, find out more here.