Pelle prepares his January shopping list

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini remains on the lookout for a striker in the January window although it will almost certainly be a loan deal should it happen.

The Hammers boss is keen to beef up his options up front but at this stage no specific targets have been revealed.

There has been a growing realisation that whilst Michail Antonio is set for a return, another option is required beyond him and Albian Ajeti.

Top targets are always difficult to attract in the January window but  loan options are always available and that would of course be a better option financially at this stage of proceedings.

The boss is also keen to find a central defender but that too would in all probability be on a loan basis with an option to buy should the right player become available was we reported late last week.

A Hammers source told us on the ‘phone: “Both positions are being looked at ahead of the window.”