West Ham United have been dealt a significant setback in their search for a new striker ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report by talkSPORT.

The Premier League side had identified former Nigeria U23 international Promise David, dubbed the ‘Baby Romelu Lukaku’, as a key target to bolster their attack.

However, the Ontario-born forward looks set to snub a move to the London Stadium, preferring to remain in Belgium and continue playing Champions League football rather than join a side embroiled in a relegation battle.

David has impressed since joining Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2024, scoring 34 goals in 65 appearances and helping the club secure its first league title in 90 years.

The 24-year-old forward previously featured twice for Nigeria’s U23 national team before switching his international allegiance to Canada, where he has continued to make waves with his prolific form.

His career path has included stints in Croatia, the USA, Malta, and Estonia, showcasing a versatility and scoring instinct that caught the attention of Premier League scouts.

Despite interest from Premier League side West Ham,David is reportedly reluctant to leave the prospect of Champions League football to join a club fighting relegation.

The move would have seen him step into a team struggling for goals and results, a challenge David is not yet prepared to embrace.

Wale Adejumo