Premier League side West Ham United are keen on landing troubled striker Wilfried Bony this summer, according to reports.

The Manchester City forward has an underwhelming performance in the last term, dropping down the pecking order at the Etihad. West Ham manager Steven Bilic has publicized his admiration of the striker.

West Ham made a big money move for Andre Ayew but the striker picked up a long term injury in his first game for the side, sending Bilic to the transfer market to get replacement. First choice striker Andy Carroll is also out injured, leaving the Croatian manager short of options. Bony joined the Premier League from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem after his sterling record. He played for Swansea in 2013, banging goals from all cylinders. City made the transfer hoping he would replicate his form, but the 27-year old Ivory Coast international struggled to impress.

He scored ten goals, making 20 starts in all competitions. Coach Pep Guardiola left him out of City squad set to feature in the Champions League this season. City is set to take on Steaua Bucharest in the qualifier, but Bony’s name is reportedly absent.

“He is a good player. He is an option because he plays in the position where, even before the injuries, we tried to sign a player. We have a couple of players we are trying to do a deal with,” Bilic told reporters at a press conference. West Ham were in impressive form last season and even had the chance to finish higher on the standings, but eventually placed sixth. The injuries are becoming a concern. Reports say the club has signed another attacker Edimilson Fernandes from FC Sion. He is the cousin of Leicester’s Gelson Fernandes who is poised for a medical, in view of joining West Ham. Simone Zaza of Juventus has been linked with a move to the London Stadium, and Bilic has confirmed interest.