Premier League star’s mooted switch to West Ham in tatters after injury setback

Eddie Nketiah’s hamstring injury has scuppered a potential move to West Ham, talkSPORT understands.

Nketiah is facing a stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

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West Ham were lining up a January swoop for the ex-Arsenal man.

Nketiah has endured an injury-riddled campaign having missed 11 matches across all competitions due to hamstring and thigh issues.

Of the 18 matches he has been fit to play, he has started in just five of those and has scored four times.

The 26-year-old is in his second season at Selhurst Park having joined from Arsenal for £30million in August last year.

However, he has largely had to make do with appearances off the bench, with French star Jean-Philippe Mateta the preferred option up top by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.

Nketiah’s playing time could be slashed even further should the south London outfit sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.

talkSPORT understands Palace are interested in the Norway international, who has also been a target for West Ham.

However, it is understood the Hammers are reluctant to spend big money on Strand Larsen in January.

Palace have made no secret of their desire to boost their attacking firepower this winter and have already agreed a fee with Tottenham for winger Brennan Johnson.

Should the deal be completed, with Palace hopeful it can be done in time for their clash against Newcastle on January 4, Johnson would become their record signing.

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As for West Ham, news of Nketiah’s injury comes as a blow in their bid to strengthen their striking department.

Hammers skipper Jarrod Bowen, a right-winger by trade, led the line in three of their last four fixtures.

But West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo opted to start Callum Wilson, who is a striker, up top for Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Brighton.

The Hammers have already shown their willingness to be active in the January window, with Fulham winger Adama Traore inching closer to joining.

It is understood Nuno has been leading the charge to sign Traore, whose contract is up in the summer.

The pair previously worked together at Wolves, where Traore played 131 times under Nuno and registered 28 goal contributions.

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Should Traore’s move become official, Nuno would need his former charge to hit the ground running as West Ham look to avoid their first relegation from the Premier League since the 2010/11 campaign.

Nuno’s side sit 18th and are four points adrift from safety.

West Ham will look to avoid their winless run trickling over to a ninth game when they travel to last-placed Wolves on Saturday.