Hammers Dede-ly Serious About Mexican Goalscoring Phenomenon

West Ham really need a fit and functional striker in order to bolster their chances of securing a Champions League spot for the first time. Looking at our current squad, the ability to score goals and develop a relationship with Dimitri Payet are key desirable attributes....enter the perfect candidate in Andre Pierre Gignac.

Gignac is now 30 years old and playing in the Mexican League after moving from Olympic Marseille in the same clearout last Summer that brought Payet to the Boleyn. The two rampaged through the French league over the past few seasons with Gignac's powerful style a perfect folly for Payets craft.

As a result, Gignac outperformed Zlatan Ibrahimovic for long periods in the Ligue 1 goalscoring charts amassing almost a goal every other game during a five year spoell at Olympic Marseille with 77 goals in 186 appearances. In his final season (2014/5) he achieved his highest goal tally for Marseille with 23 goals making him runner up for the Ligue 1 golden boot.  

However, just like Payet, Gignac fell out with French boss Didier Deschamps and in frustration decided to cash in with a move to Tigres in the Mexican Superleague. Since the move he has been on fire scoring 15 goals in 25 games including the spectacular bicycle kick shown above.

Gignac has already tasted considerable success in Mexico having led Tigres to the final of the Copa Libertadores. This tremendous form has earned him an unlikely recall to the French National side and, inevitably, reignited interest amongst Europe's elite.

Gignac has an aggressive style that is likely to please Slaven Bilic and despite his physicality has a skilful touch that has been underestimated during his career. At 30, he potentially has a couple of years still left to play at the highest level.

David Sullivan recently revealed that the Hammers were focusing upon a striking target from a 'strange' league but who had previously played in a top league. Observers have been quick to jump to the conclusion that this is Emmanuel Emenike but Gignac clearly also fits the description. 

The Hammers are experienced in trading with clubs from Mexico having previously signed Pablo Barrera and Enner Valencia from that league. Gignac looks like he could be a useful option and as a self professed Manouche, 'Dede' (as he is known by team-mates) has the wandering genes that could see him make the move back to Europe!

Would you prefer Gignac or Emenike, both or neither?