West Ham ponder move for Graziano Pelle as Ayew's replacement - Report

West Ham United are considering a move for Italian striker Graziano Pelle to replace Andre Ayew before the January transfer window closes on Wednesday.

The Hammers could cash in on the out-of-favour Ghana international following reports that Swansea are ready to test their resolve by submitting a second bid.

The Welsh club, in desperate trouble at the foot of the Premier League are keen to bring Ayew back to City, the club from whom he joined West Ham in a £20million switch in 2016.

But West Ham's reluctance to sell may have been strengthened in recent hours by the sale of Diafra Sakho to Rennes, although a purported second offer in the region of £18million would certainly give United's Board food for thought.

Although Ayew is West Ham's joint leading scorer this season with six goals to his name, he has failed to replicate his excellent form at the Liberty Stadium since moving to London.

However, reports went rife on Sunday that David Moyes' side have made enquiries about the availability of Italian forward Graziano Pelle, who plies his trade in China with Shandong Luneng as they look to bolster their attacking ranks.

The 32-year-old towering forward scored 23 goals in 68 appearances for Southampton during his two-year stay with the Hampshire-based club.