Hammers boss Bilic hints at Wilfried Bony move

London (AFP) – West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has hinted the injury-hit Premier League club could make a move for Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony.

Bilic had been looking for a new forward throughout the close-season, but his need has grown more urgent after injuries to three of his main attacking options.

Club-record signing Andre Ayew was injured on his debut at Chelsea in the opening Premier League game of the campaign and faces a four-month lay-off.

Then last weekend Bilic learnt former Liverpool targetman Andy Carroll could miss up to six weeks with a knee problem sustained in a Europa League tie, while Diafra Sakho is also currently sidelined.

Bilic desperately needs a striker before the transfer window closes and Bony is on his wanted list.

Bony has struggled for playing time since his move to City in 2015 and the 27-year-old Ivory Coast international is available for transfer after he was recently omitted from Pep Guardiola’s Champions League squad for the qualifier against Steaua Bucharest.

Asked on Wednesday about a potential move for the former Swansea City star, Bilic told reporters: “He is a good player. He is an option because he plays in the position where, even before the injuries, we tried to sign a player — he is a centre-forward.

“I don’t negotiate. I’m just the manager. I just say to the chairmen and (chief scout) Tony Henry, we talk and then they do it.”