West Ham United ‘already’ have an ‘interest’ in Villarreal striker Boulaye Dia following speculation over his future, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 25-year-old is believed to be on the radar of several clubs across the continent thanks to his impressive form in 2022/23, and the London Stadium has been touted as a potential landing spot.

What is the latest news involving Dia?

Back in January 2021, Sky Sports revealed that Dia was one of a handful of strikers being assessed by West Ham after they sold Sebastien Haller to Ajax unexpectedly.

Dia was turning out for Ligue 1 outfit Reims at the time and was snapped up by Villarreal just six months later after he bagged 14 goals in 36 top-flight appearances that season.

However, the Senegal international struggled to make an impact with the Yellow Submarine and was loaned out to U.S. Salernitana over the summer, with the deal including an option to buy for £10.5 million.

A recent report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), though, has stated that the Hammers are one of a number of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing Dia.

Salernitana may be tempted to make a quick profit on the clinical forward if they secure his signature on a permanent basis, opening the door to a switch to east London.

What has Jones said about Dia?

West Ham brought Gianluca Scamacca to the club in the previous transfer window, finally replacing Haller while adding some cover and competition for Michail Antonio.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

And Jones has disclosed that it ‘wouldn’t totally surprise’ him if the capital club are also eager to add Dia to their ranks.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “West Ham have already got an interest in him. That wouldn't totally surprise me if they were to become involved for him.”

Would Dia be a good signing for West Ham?

Dia has been in impressive form for Salernitana this season, playing a pivotal part in the Italian minnows’ rise into the top half of the Serie A standings.

The 5 foot 11 ace has found the back of the net on five occasions in his 12 league outings, setting up two further strikes for his teammates.

As per WhoScored, Dia has also averaged 1.3 shots, one key pass, and 0.8 dribbles so far this season, placing him in the top five for each metric when compared to his teammates.

His arrival at West Ham next summer could signal the beginning of the end for Antonio and spark a new chapter upfront under David Moyes.