This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Bournemouth striker Josh King is reportedly West Ham United manager David Moyes' number one target ahead of the January window.

It is understood that the Hammers had offers rejected for him in the summer but Claret and Hugh has indicated that King remains the number one option.

So, with his contract set to expire in the summer, should Bournemouth look to cash in on him in January?

We asked our FLW writers for their thoughts...

Alfie Burns

Looking at the Bournemouth attack even without King, they should have enough to challenge for promotion if he’s moved on.

It’s important that the Cherries put the ball in the forward’s court. If he wants to move to West Ham, get that information and then get the best price possible for him.

If he wants to stay and fight for his place with Bournemouth, work him hard and get him ready to rip in during the second half of the season.

For me, it all depends on the talks Bournemouth hold with King. They need clarity in the coming weeks.

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Jacob Potter

I think they should do everything they can to keep hold of him.

It's no secret that West Ham have been interested in landing his signature, and they're seemingly eager to get a deal over the line in the near future ahead of the January transfer window.

King has shown that he's Premier League quality though, having really impressed during last year's campaign with Bournemouth in the top-flight.

Bournemouth are in a strong position to win promotion back into the Premier League this season though, and I still think he's got a key role to play in their promotion bid.

But you would imagine that West Ham will test their resolve in the New Year with a fresh bid for his services.

It'll be a tough ask to keep him at Bournemouth, but if they can remain in a strong position to win promotion, then I wouldn't rule out him staying with the Championship side.

Phil Spencer

There's no doubt that Bournemouth should look to keep hold of Josh King.

The Norwegian forward is undoubtedly one of the top players in the Championship and so the Cherries would be foolish to let him go.

With a push for promotion very much top of the agenda on the south coast, it would be very short sighted for the club to sell him when they could be back in the big time this summer.

If he is unhappy then perhaps a loan deal could be the best solution, that way Bournemouth would have the option of keeping him if they secured promotion this term.

That could be a solution that suits all parties, however, it would leave the club with a lot of pressure to get him to sign a new contract.

If that deal looks unlikely they may have no choice but to cash in, but that should be a last resort.