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West Ham are eyeing a curious move to give a forward who once lit up the Premier League another chance to shine, per a report.

West Ham secured their second best Premier League finish (sixth) in what was a truly memorable campaign for David Moyes’ men. The Hammers were in contention for a top four finish. Ultimately, they had to settle for a place in the Europa League. Nevertheless, any return of European football represented significant progress for the club.

What made their achievements all the more noteworthy was their lack of traditional options at No. 9.

Sébastien Haller departed for Ajax mid-season, leaving makeshift striker Michail Antonio to carry the load.

Antonio’s transition into a centre-forward has been remarkable, but nagging hamstring injuries are a constant cause for concern.

With at least six extra fixtures to contend with through being in Europe, West Ham are in desperate need of reinforcements.

Chelsea’s forgotten man Tammy Abraham has been persistently linked. Though Villa boss Dean Smith’s major doubts may make West Ham pause for thought.

Now, a second, more high risk option has been touted. HITC (citing Estadio Deportivo) reveal the club’s interest in signing Alexis Sanchez.

The Chilean, 32, became one of world football’s most tenacious attackers during a superb three-and-a-half year stint with Arsenal.

A high profile switch to Man Utd materialised, but things quickly turned sour. Both Sanchez and Man Utd were publicly derided with the move bringing about little in the way of tangible returns. A humbling loan exit to Inter arose before the move was made permanent last year.

Sanchez regularly featured in the Nerazzurri’s recent title-winning campaign, though rarely from the start. However, the club’s financial issues are now a matter of public record. As such, Sanchez has reportedly been asked to seek a new club.

West Ham are deemed a potential landing spot along with Sevilla. Adding much-needed credence to the speculation, a second report from the Daily Mail is cited that told of Moyes’ Sanchez interest in 2020.

Sanchez currently pockets around £6m per year (£115,000-a-week). Barring a willingness to accept a pay cut, that is likely to prove a stumbling block should West Ham act on their interest.

Mount takes cheeky swipe at Rice

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Mason Mount has taken a friendly dig at England team-mate Declan Rice by refusing to give him a place in his FIFA Ultimate Team.

The duo are good friends and will line up for England at this summer’s European Championship. They were both in the Chelsea youth teams before Rice defected to West Ham United. And the banter is flying about ahead of the summer showpiece.

“Dec would not be in my FIFA Ultimate Team. He would understand it,” he said. “It’s got some icons in, and I feel his card at the moment is not going to fit in my team. He’d be on the bench, or maybe the reserves.”

And he further joked that Rice might just make his Call of Duty crew.

“My squad for the next Combat tournament for the England team? Mingsy in there, Tyrone Mings, he’s a gamer,” he added. “And I’d have Dec in there, because he’s been in and around it, been in tournaments and played big players in a tournament. I feel like he’d know how to step up.”

READ MORE: Liverpool resolve tested by second West Ham approach for Lingard-type move

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