West Ham are hopeful they can lure Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe back to the club in January, according to 'the Mirror'.
The 34-year-old began his professional career with the Hammers and is thought to be open to a return, though Black Cats boss David Moyes is determined to keep hold of his prized asset.
Defoe has struck eight goals in his 18 Premier League appearances this season, with Arsenal's Theo Walcott the only other Englishman in the division to match that.
Slaven Bilic has told Hammers chiefs the club must sign a striker in January, with Andre Ayew away away on Africa Cup of Nations duty and Diafra Sakho injured.