West Ham United have reportedly set aside a £40million war chest to spend on a star striker this summer.
Sky Sports is reporting the Hammers are prepared to pay more than double their club record transfer fee of £15million for Andy Carroll in pursuit of a top-class goal scorer who can help take the club to new heights when they move into the Olympic Stadium next season.
It is understood Marseille forward Michy Batshuayi, Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette and Liverpool's Christian Benteke are among the big names on the East London club's shortlist.
West Ham's hopes of landing a top line striker may hinge on the club's ability to secure Champions League football next season.
The Hammers currently sit in fifth place on the Premier League ladder, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City.