West Ham United’s troubles in the Premier League this season have already been pointed out numerous times.

While things have improved recently – the Hammers have only lost once in their last five – Slaven Bilic’s side are still down in 17th and just a point above the relegation zone.

The Croatian has switched formation, which seems to have gone some way to sorting out the Irons’ defensive woes, but they are still toothless in attack and too reliant on Dimitri Payet.

The Hammers have been without recognised strikers like Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho, while loanee Simone Zaza has been poor and looks unlikely to play again.

Instead of searching the continental market, West Ham would be better off scouting the Football League – after all, they signed Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell from lower divisions and both have become key players in the starting XI

Here are five football league strikers Bilic should consider making a move for in January.

ALEKSANDER MITROVIC

If Slaven Bilic is looking for a bullish target man he should consider Newcastle United’s Aleksander Mitrovic.

The Serb is always good for a goal and managed nine in the top flight for a struggling Newcastle side last season.

The 22-year-old has managed three goals in three starts this term and would occupy defenders with his strength while bringing others into play. Rafa Benitez doesn’t seem keen to start him and may be ready to cash in.

BRITT ASSOMBALONGA

It seems amazing that no Premier League club has made a move for Britt Assombalonga.

The stocky striker has been scoring goals for fun at Peterborough and Nottingham Forest and looks like he’s got enough about him to continue that in the Premier League.

Perhaps clubs were waiting to see how he responded to a knee injury that kept him out for over a year, but with four goals in three starts he hasn’t lost any class and could be the answer to West Ham’s problems in front of goal.

FERNANDO FORESTIERI

A different type of player to those already mentioned, Fernando Forestieri has the kind of flair that the West Ham faithful love to see.

The Argentine has been likened to Lionel Messi with his silky dribbling skills and isn’t bad at finding the net.

Forestieri was great in spurts for Watford and helped them achieve promotion but was always seen as inconsistent. The 26-year-old seems to have matured since signing for Sheffield Wednesday, however, and deserves his top flight chance.

JORDAN HUGILL

Jordan Hugill has done his time in all of the Football League divisions and just needs to tick off the top flight.

Despite being only 24, the Middlesbrough-born striker played for Gateshead, Port Vale, Tranmere and Hartlepool before establishing himself at Preston North End.

Hugill has always been a handful for defenders but has recently added goals to his game with five strikes in 15 appearances this season.

SCOTT HOGAN

Scott Hogan has come under the limelight for Brentford this season simply through his knack of scoring goals.

While not particularly strong or quick – although far from a slouch – the 24-year-old has intelligent movement that seems too good for the Championship.

Hogan managed seven goals in seven games at the end of last season and has shown it was no fluke by netting eight in twelve this time around.