With Asamoah Gyan's current demotion to Shanghai SIPG's reserve squad following the arrival of new Chinese record transfer holder Hulk from Zenit Saint Petersburg, rumors abound that the Ghana international is being targeted by West Ham United for a return stint in the English Premier League.

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Ghana Soccernet reported that the Hammers "could look in the direction of iconic Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan in their search for a top-class striker" before the summer transfer window closes at the end of the month.

The report also said that West Ham could be the "perfect location for the world-class striker" to get out if his present struggles in China and revive his career. He would have to take a pay cut, though, if he wants to return to Europe.

Head coach Slaven Bilić's side had been in search for another striker this summer in preparation for the impending departure of Diafra Sakho to West Brom. Enner Valencia is also rumored to be leaving the London Stadium and so a new center forward is urgently needed, as per HITC.

The 30-year-old Gyan was acquired by the Chinese Super League club last summer from UAE Pro-League side Al Ain FC for an undisclosed fee. It was subsequently revealed that he was offered a £227,000 per week compensation which instantly made him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.

However, the Black Stars team captain had never met expectations at the Shanghai Stadium since he landed in China because of recurring injuries that had kept him from playing at 100 percent.

In his first half-season with the Red Eagles, he had played 10 games and scored four times. In all competitions, he made 17 appearances and netted 10 goals in the process, which are pretty decent if only he could remain healthy and more effective.

This term, which should have been his first full season in Shanghai, he managed to play only 10 games as the team is entering the 22nd round of competitions, again because of various injuries. He only scored three times in 17 shots this time and could be found inadequate by his Chinese bosses enough to drop him to the reserve team even with the kind of salary he receives.

TagsChina Football, Chinese Super League, Chinese Super League rumors, Shanghai SIPG, Asamoah Gyan, West Ham United FC