WEST Ham United have joined the race for reported Albion transfer target Darwin Nunez.

The striker from Benfica has previously been "of interest" to the Seagulls, as they tried to sign the Uruguay international from former club Almeria in Spain last summer.

There were reports in Portugal that Albion had made a £25 million bid for the striker, who had a mixed debut campaign for Benfica.

This season, the striker has progressed and has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 17 matches in all competitions for the Portuguese giants.

The Lisbon based are understood to be financial pressure and could cash in on the player to help relieve that pressure.

With Albion's struggles in front of goal this season as Neal Maupay has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, although two goals in his last two games have shown signs the Frenchman could return to form.

The Argus: Neal Maupay has returned to form with two goals in his last two gamesNeal Maupay has returned to form with two goals in his last two games

Other strikers, Danny Welbeck and Aaron Connolly have had struggles with injuries, meaning the club could look for a new man up top.

Although, their reported pursuit of Nunez could be made harder by the interest of David Moyes' West Ham side in the striker according to reports in Portugal.

The Hammers only has Michail Antonio as a natural striker option at the club after selling Sebastien Haller in January.

The East London side could see Nunez as the perfect player to replace Antonio for the long-term.

Other sides that have been linked with the player include Manchester City and Chelsea, which could mean Albion may have missed their chance with signing the player.