Pundit backs West Ham pursuit of 'powerful' Armando Broja

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has backed West Ham in their pursuit of Southampton loan ace Armando Broja.

This comes as the Hammers reportedly narrow their search for a striker to the 20-year-old and Blackburn Rovers frontman Ben Brereton Diaz.

Irons’ boss David Moyes is expected to make a late charge for an additional attacking option to support Michail Antonio in the second half of the campaign.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips backed the Scot to prioritise a move for Chelsea loanee Broja.

“I really like Broja. He’s got the experience of Premier League football, he’s got that air about him – that slight arrogance. I think he’s done brilliantly, he’s a powerful lad – and for me, he’s a better option than Brereton Diaz. 20 goals is a great return for just over half a season in the Championship, but if I was West Ham I would be looking at someone who has already got that Premier League experience. I think Broja is a really good player.”

This season the 10-cap Albania international has scored seven times and provided one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions.

Valued at £8.1million (Transfermarkt) and under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2026, signing the towering striker could be a complicated move before the deadline passes.

However, having made an impressive start to life in the top flight, if at all possible the Hammers should be doing everything in their power to make this one happen.

Seemingly built for life at the elite level despite his tender years, Broja could provide the immediate answer to a lack of options as well as being a long term investment at the London Stadium.