West Ham ready to smash their transfer record to beat Newcastle and Chelsea to Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface

WEST HAM are prepared to break their transfer record to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface.

The 23-year-old striker has been linked with both Newcastle and Chelsea.

Reuters

West Ham could smash their transfer record to sign Victor Boniface[/caption]

Hammers’ technical director Tim Steidten is pushing for the massive swoop and could pull it off before the window shuts.

Boniface has been a huge hit in the Bundesliga since joining in the summer from Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.

Steidten is trying to set up a deal with his former club Leverkusen.

West Ham have the cash for a splash and manager David Moyes is behind the idea of going big for a proven striker.

The Irons have long-term doubts over Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, who could both be shifted out if Boniface is landed.

They are both on big wages so it would help to balance the books.

West Ham could also be selling Said Benrahma later this month amid reported interest from French clubs.

Boniface only joined Leverkusen last summer but they could be prepared to sell at a big profit and then go and find a replacement.

FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

The powerful frontman has scored ten times so far in the German top-flight and is the young and exciting type who would also keep his value.

Boniface misses the Africa Cup of Nations with injury but should be fit soon and the lay-off is not a problem for West Ham.

The Hammers have also made a surprise inquiry for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.

The Colombian, 20, wants more game time and may fancy a move.

However, Villa are unlikely to do business for Duran, who has other admirers including Chelsea, unless there is a big offer rather than a loan deal on the table.