According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria.com, bringing a development on the Paul Onuachu saga, West Ham United now believe they are in pole position to sign the player this summer.

The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing Onuachu...

Various claims from Nigeria have surfaced over this last week detailing West Ham and their seemingly heavy interest in Genk striker Onuachu.

Allnigeriasoccer.com relayed just last week that the Irons are in a two-horse race with Premier League rivals Brighton for the player.

That same outlet then claimed manager David Moyes personally told West Ham hierarchy to lodge an official summer bid, with the Scotsman apparently eager to beat competitors to his signature.

The Latest: West Ham believe they are leading...

As per this latest claim, from OwnGoalNigeria, West Ham now believe they are in pole position to sign Onuachu ahead of other clubs.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest/" title="West Ham latest!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

Both the Hammers and Brighton have been told by Genk that the 27-year-old will cost £26 million to sign this summer, but West Ham are hopeful of negotiating that figure down with add-ons.

So far, it's a 'straight battle' between the Seagulls and West Ham for Onuachu - but the latter side are convinced they're winning the race for his signature.

The Verdict: Do it GSB...

The Super Eagles international comes as a very fruitful alternative to more expensive targets like Tammy Abraham, who is said to be valued at around £40m.

At nearly half the price, West Ham could land a proficient goal scorer who bagged a head-turning 35 strikes in all competitions over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt).

While there is an argument to be made that these goals came in Belgium, any striker with those kind of numbers in a top flight should be attracting attention.

Former AFC Wimbledon striker and England international John Fashanu certainly believes he is worth the praise, lauding him as a 'goal king' in an interview with Punch.

In other news: West Ham now willing to pay £34.1m for this 'excellent' powerhouse, find out more here.