West Ham are looking at Southampton's Shane Long and in-form Brentford striker Scott Hogan as alternative January targets should Sunderland remain unwilling to sell Jermain Defoe.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is keen to strengthen up front in the new window given Andre Ayew's departure to the African Cup of Nations, a long-term injury to Diafra Sakho and the disappointing form of loanees Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri.

Defoe, 34, is believed to favour a return to his former club with West Ham also confident he can operate at the top level for another 18 months.

Shane Long is a transfer target for West Ham as the Hammers look to bolster their strikeforce

Scott Hogan of Brentford is another forward under consideration

But the final decision rests with Black Cats boss David Moyes who needs all the firepower at his disposal in the club's relegation battle and Defoe would be taking a major risk by handing in a transfer request in case it's not accepted.

With West Ham unlikely to break the bank in January, Bilic would also consider Republic of Ireland international Long who has only been used sparingly by his manager at St Mary's Claude Puel.

Long's availability has been complicated by a shoulder injury to Charlie Austin while Sofiane Boufal is heading to Africa in January with Morocco when Southampton face Liverpool in a two-legged League Cup semi-final.

But the south coast club haven't ruled out listening to offers for the 29-year-old with an impatient Puel last week urging Long to play more like his team-mate Jay Rodriguez.

Former Hammer Jermain Defoe is believed to favour a return to his old club

The Hammers have also watched Hogan on several occasions and their leading talent spotter Tony Henry believes the 24-year-old can make the step up into the Premier League.

Despite that, Brentford's £10million asking price for the 13-goal forward represents a risk for owner David Sullivan given the player's lack of previous top-flight experience and injury record.