The Hammers are determined to completely revitalise their attack following their shock relegation to the Championship under Nuno Espirito Santo and have identified Ballard as an ideal, high-ceiling prospect to usher in a new era at the London Stadium.
Ballard has emerged as one of the most exciting young goal-scorers in the lower divisions, enjoying a magnificent individual campaign in League One.
The England Under-20 international weaponised his blistering raw pace, intelligent off-ball movement, and lethal box instinct to finish the domestic season as the third tier’s undisputed top scorer with 23 goals.
His prolific form, which included a remarkable “hat-trick of hat-tricks,” saw him sweep the EFL Awards as both the League One Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season, playing a pivotal role in keeping Orient up right at the death.
As they prepare for life in the second tier, West Ham will need to slash their wage bill, with established first-team members heavily tipped for summer departures to free up operational capital.
The Hammers will have to move with conviction if they are to successfully secure Ballard’s signature. His stellar performances have alerted a host of rival suitors, with Championship sides Swansea City and Bristol City already reported to be showing concrete interest in the ‘scary’ forward.
West Ham also face significant external competition from Germany, with Bundesliga side Werder Bremen heavily scouting the former Southampton graduate.