West Ham have been given hope of signing a “special” striker in January amid manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s damning update on Niclas Füllkrug, with the importance of bringing in a new centre-forward brought even further to the forefront.

West Ham given Niclas Fullkrug update after thigh injury

Now confirmed by Nuno, the injury-prone Fullkrug is set to be out for “a while”, with Standard Sport reporting that West Ham are waiting on scan results to determine his exact recovery period.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, after West Ham’s striker was excluded from the international squad to face Luxembourg and Wales, announced that Fullkrug torn a muscle bundle in his thigh and Kicker stated he could face “several weeks” out.

The 32-year-old’s injury is a significant blow for West Ham, compounding the club’s ongoing striker shortage. Fullkrug, who has been battling persistent fitness issues ever since joining the Hammers last year, is now set for a likely significant spell out — leaving Nuno with very limited options.

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With Fullkrug sidelined, West Ham are left relying primarily on Callum Marshall, a promising but inexperienced young striker, and Callum Wilson, whose own injury history raises questions about his ability to consistently lead the line.

This lack of attacking depth puts considerable pressure on Nuno, and the tactician could even be tempted to play winger Jarrod Bowen up front, as the Englishman has done in the past.

In any case, the message is clear — West Ham need a new striker in January.

In the build up to winter, the Irons have been linked with a host of intriguing options, including Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Man United’s Josh Zirkzee.

One insider reported this week that West Ham have been offered an unnamed forward who “fits the bill” on loan, and while we’re just speculating, it could well be Real Madrid starlet Endrick.

The Brazilian, who’s struggled to play his way into Real’s first team due to a combination of injuries and fierce competition for places, was reportedly open to the prospect of a London Stadium loan move last January.

Given he’s yet to play a single minute under Xabi Alonso this term, the idea of a temporary Premier League move could well appeal to the 19-year-old once again, and journalist Dean Jones has shared a positive update on West Ham’s hopes of signing Endrick.

West Ham given Endrick transfer hope after Real Madrid update

Speaking to TEAMtalk, Jones reports there is “very little doubt” that he’ll be offered the chance to leave in January if his game time continues to be limited, and West Ham are genuine contenders to sign Endrick on a short-term basis.

The South American, who scored 21 goals in 82 senior appearances for Palmeiras before joining Real, despite his very young age, is still one of the most promising young Brazilians in world football.

Despite his limited appearances in La Liga and the Champions League, Endrick actually played a key role during Real’s run to the Copa del Rey final last season — bagging five goals in the competition and scoring in nearly every game before their loss to Barcelona.

Endrick’s arrival would be a real statement of intent from the heavily criticised West Ham board, and perhaps exactly the calibre of signing they need up top.